Wing covering question

[shipljl]

This question is for those who have covered more wings than me (I'm in the middle of my first).

I'm confused about a comment in the Ceconite manual about rib reinforcement tape. It says that for cosmetic reasons that the rib reinforcement tape should be extended to the leading edge. Does this mean over the leading edge sheet metal? If so do you extend the pinked reinforcement tape all the way around the leading edge? I'm doing the envelope method with the sewed edge at the trailing edge in case that makes a difference.

thanks,

John

[Acroeric]

Re: Wing covering question

I am assuming that you are talking about the 2" wide fabric tape that you put over your martin wires or rib stitching? The technique I use is to have it extend to about 2" aft of the leading edge and cut it so that it is a neat looking termination (I pinch it in half and cut it at a little angle). After these tapes are on I apply a 6" wide tape to the entire leading edge from root to tip- this covers the rib tapes, eliminates any chance of them being lifted at the leading edges, and looks really clean. One trick is to ALWAYS use lightweight pre shrunk tapes- never meduim weight. They lay down easier and stay down better.

[Ray36048]

Re: Wing covering question

I think the question is about reinforcement tapes, not finish tapes. The reinforcement tape in the Poly Fiber manual says to extend it at least 1 inches beyond the fastener. This will leave a "bump" you will see through the finish tape. This is what I have done, it is not objectionable. I have never noticed a fabric job when the reinforcement tape went to the leading edge. But, Poly Fiber also says it will look better if you extend it to both the leading and trailing edges. Finish tapes are done as Eric said, to the leading edge and trailing edges then covered by a leading edge finish tape.

One suggestion, the reinforcement tapes really suck up the dope or poly brush (depending on what process you use) . Before you apply finish tapes, apply several coats to the reinforcement tapes. These coats act as the adhesive when you apply the finish tapes and makes a better bond between the reinforcement tapes and the finish tapes.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Wing covering question

i run the reinforcing tape full length of the rib. I do not prefer stits tape since it has a hot knifed raised edge, or at least it used to. I use ceconite tape which is also thinner and lays flatter so less noticeable.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Wing covering question

I am assuming that you are talking about the 2" wide fabric tape that you put over your martin wires or rib stitching? The technique I use is to have it extend to about 2" aft of the leading edge and cut it so that it is a neat looking termination (I pinch it in half and cut it at a little angle). After these tapes are on I apply a 6" wide tape to the entire leading edge from root to tip- this covers the rib tapes, eliminates any chance of them being lifted at the leading edges, and looks really clean. One trick is to ALWAYS use lightweight pre shrunk tapes- never meduim weight. They lay down easier and stay down better.

I used to do that until i figured out why the tapes don't stick. the thinner tapes telegraph underlayments so I use the medium tapes all the time. the base fabric should be treated just like you cover plywood. weave needs to be filled before applying tapes. I spray entire surface poly brush, or nitrate dope until fabric has a sheen. weave is now full. if you spray one pass where the tape is being layed and lay the tape into the wet dope, it will suck it to the bottom just like the cotton process does. you will never have a loose edge when this process unless the edges are damaged on the roll.

[crispy critter]

Re: Wing covering question

Wow,
Yoou guys sure can make some of this sound complicated,lol. John, I guess you can see everyone has thier own style and techniques that work for them. And I think I know what you are asking....the reinforcement tapes that go over the fabric,then the martin wire,rib stitch,rivits,screews,etc what ever you decide to attach the fabric with goes thru the reinforcment tapes,then thru the fabric,then the rib. I extend the reinforcment tape from the seam line of the trailing edge to the seam line of the leading edge skin....this takes care of the bump.

[N96337]

Re: Wing covering question

I do just what Kevin does. I also cut my ends with pinking shears, even on the reinforcing tape.... it sure doesn't hurt and makes it lay down behind the leading/trailing edge metal a bit better, I think.
JH