Wrapping Leading Edge Skins
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2018 7:17 pm
I had quite a struggle getting my Leading Edge skins to wrap around and meet the predrilled holes. After clamping the Bottom side on, the holes were about 1/2" off from lining up on the top side when wrapping with no tension. I first tried 6 web clamps but without any standoffs ,they would also put down force on the stringers against the rib flanges since they were not close to dropping in the notches. Next added a 2x4 x 16' long, standing on edge, to hold the web straps at higher angle. This avoided down force on the ribs but when web force was put on skin, it was buckling the leading edge ribs, especially the thinner ones toward the tip.
My final configuration was wedging wooden temporary stiffeners inside the leading edge ribs under the web straps and at the outside rib. They held out the Front spar by transfer support from Main Spar. Did not need wedges toward the Root ribs since the Root Rib is so stiff. I was able to remove these through the access holes and reaching between rib cutouts. Another critical item is making tapered blocks from 2x6 material to protect the trailing edge top skin that overhangs the Rear Spar.
If anyone has any other techniques, I liked to hear about them. Would have been nice to have hints in manual. Not looking forward to having to do this again when clamping it back on after Prosealing and riveting the Bottom skins. At least now I have a technique, just need to make sure the wooden stiffeners are removed, wouldn't want them rattling around near the Aileron Control Linkage.
My final configuration was wedging wooden temporary stiffeners inside the leading edge ribs under the web straps and at the outside rib. They held out the Front spar by transfer support from Main Spar. Did not need wedges toward the Root ribs since the Root Rib is so stiff. I was able to remove these through the access holes and reaching between rib cutouts. Another critical item is making tapered blocks from 2x6 material to protect the trailing edge top skin that overhangs the Rear Spar.
If anyone has any other techniques, I liked to hear about them. Would have been nice to have hints in manual. Not looking forward to having to do this again when clamping it back on after Prosealing and riveting the Bottom skins. At least now I have a technique, just need to make sure the wooden stiffeners are removed, wouldn't want them rattling around near the Aileron Control Linkage.