What type of foam for flying surfaces??

[Steve]

I'm thinking of building a foam cutting bow and would like to know what type of foam is most common in making your own wing cores. I'll be using the white beed foam, but there are differant densities. One pound, two pound and so forth. Which one should I use? Also, any info on foam cutting would be helpfull. I have an auto-transformer and I'll build a bow this weekend. Thanks.

[Rod]

Hi Steve use the lightest you can get away with. It is well worth making a drop arm cutter like the feather cut. Build a vacuum pump, it is the best way of gluing the skins down. look here for info http://www.veneersupplies.com/ .

[Steve]

I wouldn't mind trying the vacu method. Do you still have to weigh them down in the shucks?? Thanks.

[rcpilot82]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Steve
	I wouldn't mind trying the vacu method. Do you still have to weigh them down in the shucks?? Thanks.

No, the Vaccum makes all the weight you will need, and then some. the only thing I do is put the wing in the bag with a breather cloth, suck out most of the air(no vaccum at this point) and set the wing in the bottom shuck for support. then I slowly pull to about 8.5 in/hg so I can work out wrinkles and adjust if needed. I will NEVER go back to weights again since I built my vac-bagging system.

[Steve]

Cool,
Do you think 2 pound foam density is ok?

[rcpilot82]

Your density will depend on your intended use. I am sure someone can jump in and guide you with that. but we need to know the application. you can use the higher density but then you are just adding weight.

[jlmold]

Use 1# density. that's what we use to build 40% ers

[Steve]

Thanks for the info. I'll be using it on a 34% Extra. Wings, stabs, and turtle deck. I'll try and find an outlet for the 1# white foam. I'll be making a bow some time next week.