Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 469

Thread: John's Build

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Arvada, CO
    Posts
    2,146

    Default John's Build

    I've enjoyed & benefited from builders documenting & posting pictures of their projects on this forum, so I've decided to try to stop being so lazy, & share a few pictures once in awhile. Esser's recent posts about the LLE & the wingtip mounting strips prompted me to start.
    I didn't have a multi-tool to cut the fiberglass, but I found that a Dremel tool & a large sanding drum worked very fast & easy for me. I scalloped the trailing edge of the LLE, as done by Bill & Phil (Desert Fox 1).
    IMG_1338.jpgIMG_1426.jpgIMG_1431.jpg
    I didn't like the lack of edge hole clearance on the tip attach strips either. What I did was bend a little upturned lip on the edge on each one that allowed me to position them tightly against the rib, with the "lip" bending up/over the small bead or fillet of epoxy at the rib/cap-strip joint. This gave me adequate edge hole distance to suit my fussy nature.
    IMG_1523.jpgIMG_1524.jpg
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Central, MA
    Posts
    1,511

    Default Re: John's Build

    Looks good John, glad you are posting some pics.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  3. #3
    Senior Member Esser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Edmonton, AB
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: John's Build

    Hey John,

    That is a great idea for the attach strips. I may have to do that for my right wing.

    How long did it take for you to cut those scallops?

  4. #4
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Arvada, CO
    Posts
    2,146

    Default Re: John's Build

    It didn't take long at all, Esser. After tracing the curves, the sanding drum made short work of it.
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  5. #5
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,833

    Default Re: John's Build

    John,

    I really like your modification with the lip on the attach strip....very neat.

    Dave S

  6. #6
    Senior Member chefwarthog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Nicolet, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    269

    Default Re: John's Build

    Those pictures inspire me..... I am still finishing my garage.... but it will be finish by spring..... so seeing thoses photos help me to stay focus!!!!

    continue the good work!!!
    Eric Therrien
    Nicolet, Qc. Ca.
    In preparation.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Martin,Ohio
    Posts
    16

    Default Re: John's Build

    How many 50 ml. tubes of Hysol 9460 did you use on the laker leading edge?

  8. #8
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Arvada, CO
    Posts
    2,146

    Default Re: John's Build

    Oh man, Rob - that's a good question. I think it probably took at least a couple of them. I honestly don't remember.
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Warrenton, Oregon
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: John's Build

    About cutting scallops on the Laker Leading edge. I used a gallon can for the radius just slide it in till it lines up with the ribs and draw the arc. To cut it I use a pair of tin snips either left or right hand depending on what is more comfortable. Took about ten minutes per wing. Tape the leading edge in place, mark the scallops, take it off to cut, then glue it in place. With the fabric finished the scallops do not show. They do tend to reduce any puckering of the fiberglass leading edge.

  10. #10
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Arvada, CO
    Posts
    2,146

    Default Re: John's Build

    Have had a bunch of bad luck medical problems in the family, the least of which was me tearing my right rotator cuff & having it repaired... really slowed down the progress for a bit.

    After hearing of the problems many people have had with the Ducati voltage regulators used by Rotax, I did a lot of research while not being able to do much else. I believe that some of the problems have been builder/pilot induced, but not all by any means. Anyway, I have a friend who travels to Holland regularly, and he has a relative there who could order what I have come to believe is one of the best alternatives (they are not exported to the USA, or sold by anyone here to my knowledge). The manufacturer, Silent Hektik, is in Germany. The unit has the exact same footprint and uses the same connector as the Ducati. It was marketed for the Rotax engines. It has a 14v, 37 amp rating (considerably higher than the Ducati), and is a real work of art, with solid machined aluminum case with considerably more heat sink area as well. The higher rating and better potential cooling are pluses. I found a test report by a guy in the US who had been able to obtain one, & he simulated operation while connected to a scope - the result showed superior performance, & he decided to install it on his CT. My buddy picked one up for me...
    Attached Images Attached Images
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •