As previously stated, I am building a Skybolt, not a KR2. I rely on this forum for people who have great experience with composites. It is the most informative forum out there.
One example: I learned here that when using T-88, squeezeout from the glue joint is necessary, and if none then the joint is probably glue-starved. If too much squeeze out, the joint is glue starved. There is currently a Skybolt builder (no names, please) who is assembling wing ribs with capstrip fit so tight that there's no way in hell that the joint could be glued properly because all the glue would have to come out when the capstrip goes together. He has detailed pictures on his website of how tight his capstrip joints are. It scares me. Currently, there are several Skybolt sites that debate wether or not the 1/4" capstrip on the ribs should even have angles cut into them, or just straight cut them and let the glue fill the gap, which ends up being less than 1/16". The original builder/designer did not cut angles. I did, but I made them loose. I did this because of what I learned here. I did this and am comfortable knowing I have the strongest built-up ribs that could possibly be made. I created sample joints for each glue batch and tested to failure. I am comfortable with the results. Standardization of material usage could only benefit all in the experimental building family. But that standardization must come about by experimentation. I am currently building a wingtip bow using Gorilla glue. I am doing so because I laminated some capstrip yesterday with the stuff and tested to failure today. Results: the wood failed, not the glue. I used adequate clamping pressure to eliminate any gaps, and it seemed as though I squeezed all the glue out..but the stuff expanded into the grain of the wood. Would I use gorilla glue to build my ribs with? No way. I'll used tried and true methods and material. The only reason I used it on the bows was because of the clamping pressure needed to maintain the curves in the jig, which results in almost total squeeze-out. Currently, some builders use laminating resin onthe bows. I do not trust the strength of this stuff, so I opted for the GG. I appreciate all the input. To repeat one thing I also learned from you guys.....stop dreaming and start building!! Scott __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
