57Marty
Well-Known Member
I am ready to install the leading edge on my wood wing 2+2; typical wood rib and wood spar construction. The typical options are plywood or aluminum. I am thinking about using fiberglass. My thoughts are to use insulation foam from hardware store and glue up and hot wire cut a 48" section of the front rib "D" area. Then, cover with tape and lay up glass; cure, remove, and epoxy in-place over the ribs. I would need 3-1/2 of these lay-ups per wing. Here are some of my questions: Thickness of glass? Two or three layers? Alternate the direction of weave on outer and inner with a bias weave in the middle (three layer option)? How might this compare weight wise to metal? I don't need to finish out the glass as the wing will be covered with fabric. Any thoughts on this idea? Am I making this too difficult and should I stick with metal? I like the idea of glass as it will give me a smoother finish for the fabric cover and be easy to epoxy each piece in place. Metal leading edges are hard to repair if dented; glass would be easier. Any ideas, experiences, how-to's etc. would be appreciative. I have attached a picture of the wing so you can see what the leading edge will be attached to.
Thanks 57 Marty
Thanks 57 Marty
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