Re: Covering questions...
George & Michael
2 1/2" strips for the 1" capstrips - it's in the book
Dave S
Re: Covering questions...
George,
Didn't finish typing the first time:o........I did not stitch the horizontal stab & vert stab - they are severely convex on both sides and the fabric pulls in real tight (that is if you have the airfoiled vertical stabilizer - if you don't have the airfoiled vertical stabilizer I would certainly ribstitch that part) I also ribstitched the elevator - that is flat on both sides.
I would not use reinforcing tape any wider than the ribs - it'll pull dimples into the fabric. Sharp razor blade on the tape should take care of the roll of tape if it is too wide.
In any case - I would follow the advice of the covering manufacturer - can't say that I have any experience with the stewart system.
Dave S
Re: Covering questions...
I am also considering Stewarts on my 1200 rebuild (90% sure that is the way I will go).
I spoke with them at Airventure last summer about covering my IV-1200. They have a material list needed to cover a Kitfox on file and can put together a "kit" to use their materials.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Covering questions...
I used Stewarts and am very pleased with the end results; first time builder as well.
Lane
Re: Covering questions...
An easy method to cut nice narrow and straight reinforcing tapes for the horizontal: You need a flat piece of glass. Cut some reinforcing tapes into the lengths you need. Take the backing off the tape and stick it to the glass. Use a razor blade and a straight edge to cut it into the width you need. Peal the cut strips off the glass and stick them onto the horizontal ribs.
I read about this after my plane was finished covering. I didn't stitch the tail feathers but I would have if I had known this method. It gives the plane that "Attention to detail by the builder" look.
Re: Covering questions...
lst-- That is a really nice looking cover job. I'd love to hear more about your experience good and bad with the Stewarts System.
Re: Covering questions...
Something must have changed. I recovered my KF wing last year and had no problem getting 1" wide reinforcing tape. I got all my supplies locally from Spencers aircraft supply at Pierce County Airport, Graham, WA.
Regarding Stewarts Systems, I just finished my Pacer wings and I used the following:
1 Gal EkoFill ( have maybe 1 pint left )
2 Quarts Glue ( have maybe 2 cups left )
1 Gal Eko Poly ( have about 1 pint left )
22 yards Ceconite ( have about 4 yards left, enough to do the flaps and ailerons )
The Kitfox wings are almost the same length but a little narrower. I have a bunch of pictures on Flicker of the whole process.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitfoxscott/sets/
I am very happy with Stewarts Systems. Worked well for me and was pretty straight forward.
Re: Covering questions...
Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it very much!
I'll keep a look out for 1 inch tape.