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During the internet "virtual get together" I mentioned that we are changing how the main spars are built for the Model 5 and Model B. Instead of all the separate pieces of spar cap strips built up with either one or two layers of .125 x 1.250 - we are doing something new that has been in the works/discussion since the last time Bob was at Oshkosh a few years ago. It took a while to find an economic way to get these done. But the parts are now in production. The first batch will go to the factory in the next week or two to be used on the first production run of Model 5 kits.
At first, our intention was to just make the cap strips themselves of one pice of .250 x 1.250 bar stock - milling it down to .125 where needed. Basically copy what has always been done but with a one piece cap strip. Bob starting thinking how these parts could be made all in one piece as well as changes to make it lighter and stronger. So he redesigned it so take advantage of making it all in one piece. As you see in the pictures it will arrive at the factory with all the holes drilled but a little undersize. The factory will de burr the edges and holes and then a main spar should go together in less that one day. Final drill, de burr, primer, and the next day rivet the spar together.
We will likely make these available to scratch builders also but in a few months when we are caught up with enough of them made for the factory's needs. This will not be lowest cost way to build a spar but they will save considerable build time. spar cap strip2.jpgSpar cap strip1.jpgspar cap strip3.jpg Mark
At first, our intention was to just make the cap strips themselves of one pice of .250 x 1.250 bar stock - milling it down to .125 where needed. Basically copy what has always been done but with a one piece cap strip. Bob starting thinking how these parts could be made all in one piece as well as changes to make it lighter and stronger. So he redesigned it so take advantage of making it all in one piece. As you see in the pictures it will arrive at the factory with all the holes drilled but a little undersize. The factory will de burr the edges and holes and then a main spar should go together in less that one day. Final drill, de burr, primer, and the next day rivet the spar together.
We will likely make these available to scratch builders also but in a few months when we are caught up with enough of them made for the factory's needs. This will not be lowest cost way to build a spar but they will save considerable build time. spar cap strip2.jpgSpar cap strip1.jpgspar cap strip3.jpg Mark
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