aircraft coveering

[Leenicklas]

I am interested in knowledgable comments re poly fiber vs Stewart method of covering. I will be a 1st time "fabric coverer" of a BC12D in the spring. Lee Nicklas, tulsa, OK

[Ray]

Re: aircraft coveering

Call me at 228-596-6573 I have done several planes in the poly fiber process. Ray

[fearofpavement]

Re: aircraft coveering

Practice on a non-aircraft section of fabric before using either method.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: aircraft coveering

poly fiber is not very forgiving if you are expecting a "clean" finish first time around. I do not know about Stewart, have not used it, but you could get a better finish with Airtech as a first timer.

[swoeric]

Re: aircraft coveering

go over to supercub.org they have a ton more airplanes that are always getting covered and flushed this subject out to completion....they have covered every angle with prose and cons and several experts that do it for a living plus the manufactures follow on those threads....


nice to see you are in tulsa i grew up there now live on grand keep the plane in grove

[jdoran]

Re: aircraft coveering

Lee,

My answer is wierd.

I chose Poly Fiber simply because they had the best training available. The video was great, it showed you step by step what to do, and just as important, what mistakes to avoid. Knot tying (for rib lacing) was my most difficult thing to grasp ,but the video does it in slow motion making it easy to follow.

I suggest you choose the covering based on the training available, not what people think looks best, or even lasts the longest. Let's face it, none of it is any good if it's not done right!

You'll do great on the project.

[Ray36048]

Re: aircraft coveering

I have used poly fiber on several aircrfat and have had very good luck with it. Buy yourself a manual first and read it over and over. Then do what and only what the manual sayes. The only real problem with poly fiber is if you get a bad run. It can not be sanded. They tell you to remove the run with MEK on a rag and start over. I have never done this, but I think you will have a bigger mess than the run. But, the poly fiber process works very well and runs are not a big problem. There are a few hints and tips that we can offer about painting metal parts with poly tone paint.

[N96337]

Re: aircraft coveering

I have used both of the mentioned systems for many years. Polyfiber is a good system, but the health hazards are not worth it in my opinion. Been there, done that.
Stewarts is my choice anymore and has been for over 10 years now....(long before it was Stewarts). I can assure you that if you can follow directions, you'll do just fine. They hold classes and workshops and have a great online video selection as well as a very good tech-rep and phone help system! The glue used in the Stewarts system is BY FAR the strongest glue in any current fabric covering system. The topcoat is by far the most flexible over time!! Stewarts is also the only system that meets FAR part 23 standards.
I'm sure you'd be happy with either system, but as far as I'm concerned, my health and the health of others around me is more important every day, and Stewart's wins hands down there!
John

[swoeric]

Re: aircraft coveering

just thinking out loud here but you could get a hold of steve pierce and see if covering is on the feb schedule at his place.....check it out at the supercub site

[mhorowit]

Re: aircraft coveering

I'm using the Stewart system and love the ease of use.
Also, I'm covering tailfeathers in the basement and there is no smell.
I work in fits and starts and so far, the system fits my time availability.
I echo John's comments about tech help.
Great DVDs; go to YouTube and you can see them- Mike

[Richh2only]

Re: aircraft coveering

EAA in Oshkosh WI is having a Sport air Fabric Covering Workshop the end of this month, January 28 & 29, 2012. I believe the cost is $289.00 EAA member or $329.00 for non members. They are going to be teaching the Poly fiber system. I am already registered and have made hotel reservations as there are about six other workshops going on the same weekend. Might be worth while to attend just for the experience, maybe you will decide to hire it done instead, I hope it is something that will keep my interrest. I am in the process of starting to cover a 1946 BC12-D also. I decided on the Poly fiber system because there are airplanes covered with this 30 & 40 years ago and still going strong, also it looks as though it is the most popular system out there.
Good Luck
Richard Herzberger
N43178 Foundation #1072

[waltermrich]

Re: aircraft coveering

I would agree with you about Poly Fibre I have used it to cover Stinson wings and I thought it was great , of course you have to wear a respirator when spraying and cover items you do not want over spray on, but now with the use of High volume low pressure sprayers that not to much of a problem. When I was at Oshkosh a couple of years ago I talked with a Poly fiber dealer and she said they had recently repainted a Stearman with 35 year old fabric and it was still good, they just painted over Poly fibre paint put on years before, after prep, My airplane was covered in 1981 and it still passes inspections. with nPoly fibre.

[N96337]

Re: aircraft coveering

Yep, Polyfiber is a good system. I first used it about '82. I used it the last time in '03. I covered alot of airplanes with it. Used both Aerothane (you must use a fresh air breathing system with that..as well as full suit...no respirator will take care of the catalyst) as well as Polytone for the finish. It's just that the health consequences just aren't worth it to me, when there's something out there that's just as good (or better, in my opinion) and doesn't carry the health risks with it. What is now "Stewarts" isn't a brand new system. I'll put the topcoat up against any paint out there when it comes to flexibility and the glue up against anything for strength..there's no comparison! (I've got 12 year old samples of BOTH systems...not even close!)
John

[TimHicks]

Re: aircraft coveering

I don't have the experience of others. I'm recovering my airplane for the first time. But after doing some research and talking to other local pilots who had recovered their fabric airplanes, I decided to use Stewart Systems. One fellow I interviewed was encouraging me to not recover my airplane (he suggested that I just sell mine as is and buy another in good condition and keep flying). When I explored further, he told me that the Polyfiber chemicals and solvents almost "killed" him. I'm sure that he was exaggerating, but he made it clear that it was hard on his health. Like me, that was his first time recovering an airplane (so we shouldn't give his testimony the same weight as that of an experienced professional).

[magman]

Re: aircraft coveering

"Exaggerating"; maybe NOT.

I knew a person that painted several aircraft included a "Clipped-T".

Imron was among the materials he used was .

It is widely believed to be the cause of his death.

My take is it could be inadequate personal safety.




I would like to suggest the following when using ANY toxic material :

1. ASSURE adequate ventilation.

This is NOT a task for an attached garage.

An open hangar orientated so the wind removes overspray works.

If you are doing this in a closed hangar during winter be aware that any fan that is big enough

to be effective will remove the heat as well.

2. Wear coveralls, hat, glasses, vinyl gloves & respirator ( preferably forced air)

These should be donned BEFORE you open any can or adjust your gun.

Do NOT wash your hands with any type of thinner.

Keep equipment in place until you are in fresh air.

No peeking at your efforts with a respirator.


N96337 is justified with concerns regarding painting.

I also know another person that WAS an excellent painter.

NOW he spends his time in a Mental Health Facility.