|
|
|
|
Steves S-20 Build Site.
|
Date: 10-4-2015
|
Number of Hours: 20.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: Covering The Test Frames.
|
|
I have never covered or painted a fabric airplane before, so I used some conduit and a bender to make some test frames to learn covering techniques, and then also use them when I get to painting to learn the spray gun settings, etc.
My first problem was the ratio of glue to solvent. I am using the Superflite system, and depending on who you talk to you will hear that 1:2, 2:1, and 3:1 are appropriate ratios. My solution was to do one frame with each edge at a different ratio and I settled on the following:
* 2 coats of 2 parts U500 to 1 part MEK for the surfaces under the fabric.<-- This changed - see 10/21 update.
* 1 coat of 1 part U500 to 3 parts MEK to soak through the fabric and attach the fabric.
* 1 coat of 1 part glue to 1 part MEK under the tapes and patches.
I initially found the corners very difficult, but figured them out by the time I got to the third frame. I wish I could explain how to do it, but it really involves developing a feel for the fabric and how it shrinks. Some tips would be: 1) Start in the middle of the curve and work towards the outsides. 2) Take very small bites with tip of the iron, and use the shrinking of the fabric to help movie it into place and form the curve. 3) Know when you need to stop, - At first I was trying to get a full inch of wrinkle free excess around the ID of the corner, but when you account for the 1" of required overlap, I was way over doing it...
Here is the process I developed on the test frames: 1) Coat all appropriate surface with 2:1 glue and let dry. 2) Repeat with a second coat of 2:1 and let dry. 3) Use the trim iron at 350 degrees to tack the fabric in place - The glue melts at 240 degrees, so the iron will stick the fabric in place. 4) Use the trim iron to form the corners. 5) Use a compass to mark the trim line, 6) Size the fabric along the trim line and cut after it drys. 7) Use the iron to get everything tacked down in place. 8) Use a wet coat of the 3:1 mixture to soak through and attach the fabric.
|
|
Test Frames.
|
|
Glue Ratio Test.
|
|
My Set-up. - 2:1 and/or 1:1 cup, 1:3 cup, and a cup of thinner to store brushes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
