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  1. J

    Could you design anything stranger?

    Annular wings are always fascinating. I once built a paper glider using annular wings in a canard format and I was shocked at how well it flew straight off the desk with no adjustment needed to the shape, nor the cg. Completely luck of the draw but it was a success and an original that I truly...
  2. J

    Pros and Cons on Composites vs Aluminum

    I love your suggestion of the balance beam. This is actually very simple to do cheap and highly accurate. In addition it works for mixing chemicals to a ratio because you don't need any reference to weights. For a 5:1 you simply pour one then move your balace over x5. As long as you accurately...
  3. J

    Aircraft wood alternative from South America

    You can also just clamp one end of the test sample to your workbench and hang weights from the free end. This lets you accurately measure the deflection without testing your balance! For weight, a simple bucket filled with sand or water will do. Start empty and add measured amounts of water as...
  4. J

    Aircraft wood alternative from South America

    That's the one! Thanks for sharing the graphic.
  5. J

    Aircraft wood alternative from South America

    I hope you milled quarter sawn? All wood for aircraft must be as dimensionally stable as possible so quarter sawn is pretty much a requirement. Good cedar with tight grain, as directed in your wood reference, is strong and lightweight. You should also consult a reference to see about increasing...
  6. J

    Question - static load test on spar only

    This uses a box spar with a D cell leading edge. Together it will be sufficiently strong to resist torsional deformation, but I would suggest that the builder be confident in the design and continue on to test the finished wing.
  7. J

    What is your interest and/or experience with homebuilt airplanes?

    Background in physics, B. Sc so spent a few years teaching Chem, Bio and Math...go figure 400 + hrs ppl mostly in Cessna, Piper, Grumman and Bellanca products. Test flew a Cavalier SA 102.5 currently completing an Emeraude with loads of help from our EAA chapter and the other 5 owners
  8. J

    Polyurethane pour foam

    Have you seen Peter Sripol's video where he used blocks and carved out a truss pattern? Fascinating stuff. He just used Oratex or possibly vinyl wrap for covering so no need to paint. Anyway, the truss rib pattern extended spanwise through each block, with 4 or 5 blocks comprising each wing he...
  9. J

    The Janowski Project - Rethinking the J1B/J2/J3

    I'm always fascinated atvthe number of people who carve their own props! Wizards, they be. Thinking back to carving props for models I just don't think I would be confident enough to try it for real. Kudos to those who do!
  10. J

    The Janowski Project - Rethinking the J1B/J2/J3

    Wood is my preferred bias, it dampens vibrations like nothing else, it doesn't fatigue over its life, it doesn't corrode, you can protect it against rot, it's cheap when you choose right type and its strength to weight ratio is right up there. Modern glues will last forever and when you try to...
  11. J

    Can you see a flaw in this (classic) aircraft project (3 view drawing included) ?

    Limbach 80 hp is close. Several VW conversions are in this range so lots of parts are available.
  12. J

    Can you see a flaw in this (classic) aircraft project (3 view drawing included) ?

    Just my opinions but here you go. You can enlarge the area for the horizontal stab and elevator. This will benefit cg range, controlibility in all speed ranges and therefore safety. Next try and extend the fuselage width past the wing trailing edge as per Mike Arnold design principles. This...
  13. J

    The Janowski Project - Rethinking the J1B/J2/J3

    A false spar is one option, you could reinforce the main spar, which, if done within reason is never a bad thing. If you are going to redesign the wing, would you consider adding a little span? Could shorten the takeoff run with a little more lift.
  14. J

    Oshkosh 2023

    I posted a few photos to another group. You can check out 'Experimental and Homebuilt Aircraft' on fb if you like. Lots of ultralight photos for you to enjoy.
  15. J

    What is your interest and/or experience with homebuilt airplanes?

    Assisted with a couple of builds, test flew a Cavalier 102.5, working on an Emeraude right now. EAA member.
  16. J

    Looking for Ideas: How should I level and flatten my build table?

    As KeithO said. Portability is not your primary goal here. Once you start building you won't be moving your table. Go for mdf 3/4 " is flat and dimensionally stable. Plywood racks unless it's properly stored and transported, just remove your ply faces and replace them. 2 joints or 1, I suggest...
  17. J

    Homemade Autopilot with a Raspberry/computer

    Some homebuilders have done it but not on the yoke/ stick. It's easier to connect servos to trim tabs and you can just do a wing leveller or can go all in. They start with a drone chip and go from there. Easiest is to bypass the controls altogether, and link to It's own trim tab. One chip does...
  18. J

    Lets talk about wood

    I wouldn't trust it to guess work. To me the moisture content absolutely needs to be measured as accurately as possible using calibrated equipment unless you are building non-structural parts. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious but wood is more variable than any other building material in that it...
  19. J

    Fatal Accident Rate By Kit Manufacturer

    In your question, you seem to be looking to see if any one particular aircraft is less safe than another. Always be mindful that the majority of accidents are preventable: fuel starvation, stall-spin on approach, maintenance error, etc. That means that for the majority of accidents, the aircraft...
  20. J

    Lets talk about wood

    Our inspector approved our moisture test but it had to be done by a guy certified to do the test and using a certified moisture meter. Cost was pretty reasonable as I recall, maybe $200 or so.
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