Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "DJ Vegh"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: How many ounces does it takeGroup,I would like some opinions from the "older wiser ones" (more experienced) who have covered a Piet or two. My thinking ,right now, is to cover the wingand tail with medium weight (2.8 oz.) and the fuselage with light weight (1.7oz.). The wing does the work, so I thought it needed to be a heavier grade, and then cover the body with something light, as it does not take the same abuse? Is it necessary to even use medium weight at all? If it is, should I just use medium weight throughout? Or, if I want to use medium and light weight, can you put medium weight fabric on the top of the wing and utilize light weight on the bottom side? The difference in cost between the two is minimal.Is there a major difference in weight between the two after covering and painting? I have been told that the lighter fabric is easier to work with thanthe medium and heavy weights.The only reason I think I would want heavier fabric on the tail would be for landing in stalks and heavy weeds on unimproved landing sites.Having never done this, I feel like I am delving into the dark sciences a little. I plan on using uncertified dacron and dope, with as few coat as is practical. I do not want a glass finish, I want the weave to show and would like four coats, maximum, I think. I try not to bother the group with trivial questions; please bare with me, and forgive my ignorance in this matter.Thanks in advance,Max L. DavisArlington, TX.________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: owner-pietenpol-list-server(at)matronics.com
Hi Max,I had the same questions, so when I went to the PolyFiber class at SNF lastyear, I asked them. They strongly recommended against using the lightfabric for anything but an ultralight. While it is strong enough for aPiet, they said it would balloon up too much between the ribs and thestringers.Of course, I didn't ask about what you are suggesting, but they could haverecommended covering the fuselage with the light stuff if that isacceptable.So I followed their advice and used medium weight throughout. it is toughstuff, and can certainly withstand a lot of abuse from finger-pokin'onlookers.Jack Phillips-----Original Message-----

Original Posted By: Andimaxd(at)aol.com
Max,Since the max wing loading and max speed far surpass the Piet, I used the lightfabric. It was the uncertified stuff from AS&S, at about $3.10 per running yardof 62 inches wide. I worked out perfectly. Just keep in mind that the thicker fabric holds more paint/dope.My final empty weight was 595#. And nothing flew off yet!But then again I don't have any rough terrain/stalks to deal with.walt evansNX140DL ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: How many ounces does it takeMax,I used the uncertified fabric from AS&S, and the Stits method. I covered the wing, and the fuselage with the medium 2.8 oz fabric, and the empenage and ailerons with the lighter 1.7 oz fabric. My reasoning was that the wing and fuse take the abuse, and I wanted to keep the tail and control surfaces as lightas possible. The lighter fabric is easier to work with, but fabric work in general is not difficult...once you get the hang of it. Fabric is also relatively easy to repair. Rib stitching is a bit of a chore, but it can be alittle quicker if you use 4 or 5 needles at a time, one for each ribs. My wing has about 500 stitches in it !! In fact it is very satisfying to see the project at this stage, once you get over the fact that you MUST cover up all that beautiful wood work !! Now, have at it, and get that bird covered !!Chuck G.p.s. did an early morning flight this morning...naw I didn't get up early, I went to the airport after working the hoot owl shift. Absolutely beautiful sunrise, dead calm winds, and about a million miles visibility. Checked out some fields up close and personal, to the south of Cook field. Flew next to apickup truck for several miles. He waved back and had a big smile !! Greasedin the softest full stall landing I've ever done !!________________________________________________________________________________Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 13:48:07 -0400

Original Posted By: "Bert Conoly"
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: How many ounces does it takeIn a message dated 8/30/2004 7:55:54 PM Central Standard Time, pietflyr(at)bellsouth.net writes:So I followed their advice and used medium weight throughout. it is tough stuff, and can certainly withstand a lot of abuse from finger-pokin' onlookers.Jack PhillipsHere's my two cents for anyone with concerns about which weight to use. I opted for the lighter weight and was pleased with the results....BUT...one momentof carelessness when I somehow snagged the elevator cable aft of where it exited the fabric and I heard a great rip.When I looked, sure enough there wasa four inch tear which also dislodged the leather grommet ( which apparently offered little protection.) The patching and matching took far longer than theoriginal covering and was a setback I didn't need. I now ask myself if I were to build another Piet would I opt for the heavier fabric ? I think so !! Don Hicks________________________________________________________________________________