Rib Stitching

[Victor Gisclair]

My A&P is telling me that the early t-Craft came out with Rib stitch wings. Is this true. Forest, someone who knows. Thanks

[Acroeric]

Re: Rib Stitching

True it is- the built up style ribs can be rib stitched, the stamped ones can not.

[Greg Bockelman]

Re: Rib Stitching

the stamped ones can not.

Why not? Just curious.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

Because (in theory) the sharp edges of the stamped ribs could cut the lacing cord.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Rib Stitching

ok, that makes sense, but how can you tell the difference? My ribs are all "curved" down on the edge that would cut the stitch.

Richard Boyer

[Victor Gisclair]

Re: Rib Stitching

I was told by my A&P the the wire was not available before 1950's and so all early airplanes were rib stitch.

[flylo]

Re: Rib Stitching

My understanding is the prewars were ribstiched on builtup ribs & the postwars used the martin clips on stamped ribs.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

Victor wrote:

I was told by my A&P the the wire was not available before 1950's and so all early airplanes were rib stitch.

Victor, he is incorrect. "Taylorcraft Wire" was used between early 1946 all the way up to 1989.

Richard yes, they curve down (more of a sharp bend), but still not enough to prevent the cut edge from being away from the cord.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Rib Stitching

Ok, so I guess I have two questions....
1. Why is this thread in "Rants and Raves"?

2. The difference (pictures anyone) between the two types of ribs?

Richard Boyer

[Victor Gisclair]

Re: Rib Stitching

Because I didn't know where to put it

[birdlegs]

Re: Rib Stitching

It's a technical rant? Either way I would like to stich mine but I know they're stamped and looking at them ribs... they'z a little raspy. Can a guy use chafe tape on them ?

[VictorBravo]

Re: Rib Stitching

I might guess that you can use small rubber channel glued with silicone RTV to the edge of the stamped ribs to prevent the stitching cord from cutting.

That being said, why would you want to stitch a wing with stamped ribs? The "Martin-Wire" or Taylorcraft wire clip is a lot faster and easier.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

..because the "Martin Wire" is the wrong pitch. Taylorcraft wire is the correct pitch, but unavailable!

[crispy critter]

Re: Rib Stitching

You can now get the t-craft wire from ACS but I don't like it because it leaves ugly wire marks anywhere their is an oversized hole in one of the ribs.As for protecting your cord from the sharp edge of the rib,use chaffing tape,just let it over hang on the sharp side.Depending on the width of your tape you my have to use to wide down your ribs to cover the entire width of the rib.

[birdlegs]

Re: Rib Stitching

Thanks guys; I'll be sure and photo document this part of the job for reference,specificly the rib fastener segments. Stay tuned its still some weeks away. Brad