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Thread: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

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  1. #1
    N981MS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    My build manual said that too.

    However, the Polyfiber manual says you must mechanically attach because the force that will remove the fabric from the rib is a peeling force and the width of the rib is irrelevant.

    I agree that the riblacing became enjoyable once I got the hang of it and it really did not take that long.

    I saw one Kitfox years ago that did not appear to have any lacing but I know nothing about the owner or how it held up.
    Maxwell Duke

    Kitfox S6 IO-240 Built it (Flying since 2003)
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  2. #2
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    Google Steve Wittman. Wikipedia states his wings were improperly built. It is my understanding that his fabric was not laced. Don't hold me to that piece of info though. None the less, Brian is correct, no good reason to leave out the laces and I agree it was fun. If your going to build an airplane yourself, build an airplane and do it with safety in mind first and foremost.
    Eddie Forward
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    Right, mechanically attached. Has anyone tried alternates to stitching? It's not about the time or anything. I'm just curious.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    The Avid Magnum used staples that curled as they went in so they would hold more. No doubt, that would be fast and easy. Maybe not near as good the second time around with a bunch of holes in the capstrips, and it would probably be hard to get the staples out when you are stripping the fabric. Probably most of the early Avids and Kitfoxes did not ribstich. I've had 4 Avids and one Kitfox that weren't ribstiched with no problems. I did ribstich the Avid and Kifox 4 wings when I recovered them though. Partly because I already had the materials from when I bought a bunch of left over stuff from some one else supplies. It also does take the worry out of things, and maybe would help in case of resale. Besides, as others have said, it's not that hard or time consuming once you get at it. JImChuk

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    Thanks.

    I guess to be honest, some of my curiosity comes with taking on Oratex as my fabric of choice. Wondering if gluing to the ribs would be just as good. It would be a cleaner look. I'm not sure I want to be the first to test that though.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    To be legal, on a certified aircraft, Poly Fiber says you have to mechanicly attach the fabric. Oratex is not Poly fiber though, so I would ask, What does Oratex require you to do. They should know their product. JImChuk

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Has anyone used alternative methods to rib lacing?

    Oratex states if rib stitching is required by manufacture of aircraft then you need to.

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