|
Wing covering continues, apply rib tapes... 11/24/03 - Today, I completed the rib taping process, which took about 5-1/2 hours, start to finish. I don't know if that's good or bad, but it's done. ;^) I started by marking the 2" tape area in pencil for all ribs (top and bottom), then put down a first coat of adhesive. Here's a couple of shots showing both sides after the tape areas were marked and after the first coat of adhesive, starting with the bottom side:
Top side:
Next, I precut tapes for the bottom side, allowing about 3/4" on both ends for fit and trim:
Bottom side with rib tapes applied.
In the next photo, I have begun working on the top side and after the third tape was applied, I removed and reapplied the first tape (at second inboard rib) as I saw the bottom and top weren't aligned at the trailing edge. From then on, I worked from the trailing edge forward in order to be able to make the tape application appear to be a continuous loop (not that anyone will look at it that closely, but it provides continuity from top to bottom and makes for a better looking job):
Here is a shot of the completed top side:
With my remaining adhesive, I re-coated the aileron, flap and inspection ring patches on the bottom side and forgot to take any more photos, so you have to trust me on this. At this point, I discovered I was really tired from the past three days of standing on my feet and decided to give it a rest for the day. I may not work in the shop tomorrow as we have flooring installers scheduled at 8:30 AM and I'm sure they'll be happier with me supervising the proceedings. ;^) I think I only have the edge taping and then a final coat of adhesive left to complete the fabric work on the right wing. I'm guessing probably four hours or so to finish, making the covering process around 30 hours for the first wing. Assuming I have learned SOMETHING doing the first wing and considering I have another six UNCOMMITTED vacation days (not counting tomorrow or Thanksgiving on Thursday) I could average 5 hours a day and be ready to start covering the fuselage right after my vacation is over on 12/3! I'd also probably be ready for ANOTHER VACATION after that, so no guarantees. I may have to find time to actually loaf a little over the next eight days before I go back to work. More updates soon... |
|
Last Update: 11/24/2003 |
