Wood stiffness

[Russell Shaffer]

Will two pieces of 1/4 balsa laminated be stiffer or stronger than one 1/2 piece, assuming the same grade of balsa for both choices?  Thinking of a Flite Streak.

[Ralph Wenzel (d)]

Will two pieces of 1/4 balsa laminated be stiffer or stronger than one 1/2 piece, assuming the same grade of balsa for both choices?  Thinking of a Flite Streak.

They will be considerably stiffer and less warp-prone, too, as long as they are laminated on a flat surface. And while you're at it, stick in a layer of .4 oz. fiberglass cloth and make it stronger, too, for a very minimal weight gain.

[Steve Helmick]

Don't laminate them with any kind of white glue or aliphatic. I'd suggest epoxy or a urethane glue like Gorilla Glue. There are several brands...see your Lowe's, etc.

One thing, tho...for a Flite Streak, the fuselage is 7/16" thick, not 1/2". Many folks are building up profile fuselages, some using 1/64" plywood as the side skins. Good stuff!  Steve

[W.D. Roland]

what Ralph said

Steve--why not  white glue or aliphatic resin?
 that would have been my choice with the aliphatic being number 1

David

[Bob Reeves]

what Ralph said

Steve--why not  white glue or aliphatic resin?
 that would have been my choice with the aliphatic being number 1

David

Not Steve but can answer the question.. Two reasons.. 1. it won't dry, not enough air gets to it in the center. 2. it's water based and will cause warps.

[W.D. Roland]

hi Bob---never had that problem with alphatic resins.
 if its problem can always coat 2 parts let dry and use heat to activate bond--dont remember what the method is called--fantastic for planking and monokote iron--
i think his joint will only be 1/4 in wide?

David

[Russell Shaffer]

Joint will be 3 inches wide.  I'm going to glue two 1/4 sheets to make 1/2.  As per the plans I have.  I think I'll also go with the glass reinforcement as suggested.  For my flying, stronger is better.

[john e. holliday]

You can forget the fiber glas if you use the new poly-urethane(gorilla) glue.  Pancaked the Primary Force in Topeka Ks at the memorial day contest.  Fuse is still in one peice. Later,  DOC Holliday

[W.D. Roland]

Russel

kinda confused on what you want to do

thought you wanted to make a flight streak l.e.

rereading i see you want a fuselage

on flight streaks in combat we didnt often break rear of fuse.

we used 12in long doublers(5ply)
a triangle peice of 1/4in ply at wing l.e. to motor mount
elevator moved in line with wing--mainly so it wouldnt come off in crash-also flew better
cut down rudder
no flaps
new tips
was good slow combat in pre mongoose days and survived straight ins usualy!

pic of superstreak here 

 David

[Russell Shaffer]

I'm convinced - won't use the glass in the middle.