Covering fabric material for the LSA

[Dan R.]

How much covering fabric material for the LSA should be ordered?

Dan R.

[JimParker256]

And does it make any difference which system you're using to cover? (Stits vs Stewart vs Oratex vs ???)

[interstate al]

I'm using Stewarts System and ordered 32 yards of 2.7 oz. Superflight and another 2 yards of 3.7 oz. for the seats. I'm not sure what Oratex quoted but can look tomorrow. When I saw the price was nearly double I went with the Stewarts.

[JimParker256]

Did you factor in the cost of all the fluids, renting or purchasing spray equipment and booth, etc. when you analyzed the cost? Would you mind posting the cost of the Superflight, paint, etc. that went with the Stewart's System when you post the Oratex cost? I'm trying to think this through. and leaning somewhat towards the Oratex system, but cost is always a concern... It would be good to have a "real life" comparison.

[interstate al]

Here is a copy of the quote I received back in January. I did not factor in spray equipment as I already have adequate equipment. I will build a temporary paint booth in my shop and dismantle when done. With the Stewart's system I did purchase certified material. There could be a cost savings by purchasing non cert from Spruce but their rolls are not as wide as the certified? And the savings wasn't enough to get me excited. My total for the Stewart's was 3000 and change which included the top coat price. I ordered everything but the top coat and will order it when ready. And when I settle on a paint scheme?
Again, I like the Oratex however would rather put that $$$ into other areas on the build?

ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CAHNGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Better Aircraft Fabric
4621 Caravelle Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99502
United States
Tel: (907)261-8928
Fax: (888)633-1684

https://www.betteraircraftfabric.com

Bill to:
BearHawk LSA
Estimate number: e-235
Estimate date: January 21, 2015
Expires on: February 20, 2015
Grand total (USD): $6,596.70
PRODUCT QTY PRICE AMOUNT
14-010-090 White 6000
Oratex 6000 Fabric Insignia White 900 mm (34.5&quot X 1 M (39.37&quot
5 $76.95 $384.75
14-010-180-001 Oratex 6000 White
Oratex 6000 Fabric Insignia White 1800 mm (71&quot X 1 m (39.37&quot
30 $153.75 $4,612.50
15-010-050 Pinked White
Oratex Pinked edge tape 50 mm (2&quot X 25 m (82')
7 $149.95 $1,049.65
0987 Adhesive Separate 1L
Oratex Dispersion Hotmelt Adhesive 1 Liter - Separate
Components
4 $118.50 $474.00
0948 Felt Blade(large)
Oratex Felt Blade 10 X 14 cm (4" X 5-1.2&quot
1 $15.95 $15.95
12-100-002 Release Paper
Release Paper 60 cm X 2 m
1 $4.95 $4.95
08210 Cleaner/Concentrate
Oratex Cleaner/Concentrate 1 Liter (.264 gal) container
1 $32.95 $32.95
08240 Oratex Wax
Oratex Fabric Wax - enhanced luster, color protection, and
cleaning ease
1 $21.95 $21.95
ESTIMATE DOES NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING AND HANDLING
CHARGES
Total (USD): $6,596.70
Grand Total $6,596.70
BEARHAWK LSA

[Battson]

I was reading on the Zlin website, they quote the Oratex as saving 8kg on their airframe for an added cost of $4,500

[Chewie]

I'm not leaning toward any system at this point, but from recent memory I learned that with the Oratex quotes, one should consider that their fabrics are pre-painted at the factory, you can make your own tapes from the scraps, and you can opt for fabrics out of their 2nd-rate inventory to knock the quote down further. You just might get some cosmetic blemishes, for folks who care mostly about function and don't mind if it looks like the fabric has been flown already. I'd have to see it in person to see the extent of this blemish-ness.