horizonal stab/elevator rib stich

[Flybyjim]

Has anyone stitched the ribs in the stabilizer and elevator?

[DesertFox4]

I think Mike did on his Gold Lindy award winning Rotec powered Kitfox.

[Flybyjim]

Thanks, I am guessing most folks do not stitch these only the wing ribs?

[DesertFox4]

Most do not.
Not needed using the PolyFiber covering system. Probably not either for the Stewart’s system. Not at all sure what the Ortex system suggests.
Those that stitch may do so for piece of mind or the retro look of stitching on those surfaces. Certainly doesn’t hurt a thing to stitch them.

[David47]

I didn't stitch mine. Considered it but decided against it because there's very little surface contact of the rib with the fabric and I was concerned about the closeness of holes either side of the rib and the potential for fabric tear through. I was just extra generous with the Poly brush.

[N213RV]

I think Mike did on his Gold Lindy award winning Rotec powered Kitfox.

Great memory Steve! I did stitch all my flying surfaces. I like the looks of it, and it of course it is safer (not that those who have not stitched have had any problems).

I can send pictures if interested.

Thanks!

[jiott]

Mike, how did you address the concern David had with the 1/8" wide ribs and the closeness of the stitch holes? Also how would you use the reinforcing tape on such a narrow rib? You must have added cap strips to all those ribs?

[t j]

Make some 1/4 inch reinforcing tape. Cut some lengths of 1/2 inch tape to length to cover the elevator ribs. Stick them on a piece of glass. Use a straight edge to cut it down the center line with a razor blade. Peel it off the glass and stick it on the cover over the elevator ribs.

[Cherrybark]

Didn't rib stitch these ribs. Chiming in to say a rotary cutter, available in the crafts section of Wally World or any fabric store, is a great tool to cut something like the tapes. Relatively cheap with replaceable blades. And, of course, Amazon provides a nice picture and description.

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Conto...=rotary+cutter

[N213RV]

Mike, how did you address the concern David had with the 1/8" wide ribs and the closeness of the stitch holes? Also how would you use the reinforcing tape on such a narrow rib? You must have added cap strips to all those ribs?

Aircraft Spruce sells 1/4” reinforcement tape, I bought a roll or two of it for all the 1/8” ribs. I then used 1” trim tapes over it. I didn’t have an issue with holes tearing from the rib stitching. Even if there were some small holes, the trim tapes cover them. Pictures attached.