Work on both wings at the same time so that while the glue on one of them dries you do the next step on the other.
These are all the kit-supplied wing parts. In addition to
these you will also need:
- medium and thin CA,
- CA Kicker (optional)
- COTTON (very important) sewing thread
Start by using medium CA to attach the T-fitting to the ends of the short thin rods. Don't push the rods in all the way, make sure that the holes at top of the "T" are still clear for the next step. After the glue has dried, push the long rod through the top of the "T". DON'T GLUE IT YET!
Overlap the ends of the long rod about 1/2" and glue them together. Be careful that the rod doesn't spring apart and poke you in the eye!! Arrange the shorter rod so it lays over the center of the overlapped joint as shown in the picture.
Tack the short rod in place it so that it extends 2" past the frame of the wing. Tack it in place with medium CA and allow it dry a bit. Be aware that carbon fiber bonds almost instantly with CA and there's very little chance to re-position pieces once they've touched.
If you're happy with the position of the thick rod, flow thin CA along the entire length of the joint and at the fitting. Set aside to dry and repeat for the other wing.
Even though this joint is very fragile now and may break apart while working on it, don't worry about it. Re-glue any joints and carry on. You'll be amazed at how strong it is after the next step when you've finished wrapping it with thread!
Cut off a piece of sewing thread about 4-5 feet long and double it up. Loop it around any part of the wing and start to wrap the joint. Wrap the thread tightly all around. When you have about 10-15 turns lay the wing down flat on your table, but make sure you hold tension on the thread so it doesn't unravel. Soak the thread with THIN (!!!) CA from the top, and after a few seconds, pick up the wing and soak the thread all around the joint. Set aside to dry.
Next, center the T fitting in the middle of the loop. If you hold the wing up to your eye and sight along the middle piece you'll see if it's straight. When all is straight, apply thin CA all around the fitting. Let this soak in, then apply medium CA to the ends to form fillets.
After everything is dry, you'll find that you can bend and twist the entire assembly at will and none of the joints will break loose. The only danger from now on is that some part of the wing may snap if it's bent sharply over a rigid edge with a lot of force, but otherwise, the wing is unbreakable.
Click HERE to cover the frames.