Leading edge

[wally]

Can any one tell me where to buy the preformed alum. leading edge for both the wings and the alerions. Tcraft A model ?

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Leading edge

Wally, With the prewars one can simply purchase the flat stock and wrap it (cleco) while securing to the ribs. The material on the prewars is thinner and is not required to be preformed like the postwar models. This is just one of the many reasons they are lighter also. Don't ask me what gauge it is because at the moment I am at a loss to tell you. I will measure though and get back with you . If anyone else wants to advance the thickness in the meantime.... please do so

[Chet Peek]

Re: Leading edge

The leading edge material was .o16. You should pre-form it, which is easy to do with a couple of planks and a 2 inch pipe.
Chet Peek

[Guest]

Re: Leading edge

Can any one tell me where to buy the preformed alum. leading edge for both the wings and the alerions. Tcraft A model ?

Wally, I would try Univair Aircraft in Colorado. Dave

[mikerice]

Re: Leading edge

The Taylorcraft factory can preform the leading edges. We did 6 new ones for the new Taylor Sport wings. They are building up another set of wings and may be making them again. Call them and see if they can make yours at the same time.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Leading edge

Well there ya go bingo on that question. Thanks Chet on the clarification on the 0.10 thickness and your input on the bending, Makes sence to reduce any tension. The factory .. What thickness (I am a light weight freek as it comes to the pre wars in particular....)

[mikerice]

Re: Leading edge

Chet Peek is correct on both the forming tool and the thickness. The tool is simple and the factory has built one, probably built under the direction of Chet, and the metal is very thin .016 (thats 16 thousandths). The factory would build the leading edge from the drawings, so if it says .025, that is what it would be.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Leading edge

Mike, Thanks again for the re-clarification. .016. Fat fingered it before.

This site is the best. Wally I am sure you agree.

Thanks again Mike and Chet

[high time cub]

Re: Leading edge

Here's an interesting technique for bending leading edge skins:

https://www.mybearhawk.com/wings/skin1.html

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Leading edge

You can find rolls of aluminum,leading edge material, .016 thick, at the local box store. You can practice making leading edges from this material. I won't say it is certified because for some reason they call it house flashing, but as an ower produced part.... hmmmm. Well I have a friend that built excellent leading edges from this stuff using Chet's technique.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Leading edge

Mark
Oh how I like that idea.Will purchase and give it a try. Dont have to worry about "owner produced part thing" with the clipped wing anyway. As good as or better is my goal however... safety, lightweight and of course lookin good. With a rib every foot and the nose ribs inbetween it will be plenty stiff I would think.