Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "tmbrant1(at)netzero.net"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Lower longeronsProbably an oft repeated questions, but here goes anyway. I cut some of that beautiful Sitka spruce into 1x1-inch strips for the top and bottom longerons.I can bend the bottom longeron into the jig, but seems like there will be an awful lot of pent-up stress if I just glue it up that way. I read the one fellow steamed the front portion of the lower longeron to get it to bend easier.What's the right way to do this -- I'm thinking of getting a length of two- orthree-inch pipe, four feet long or so, capping one end, filling with water, heating to a boil and then putting longeron in there. If that's the right solution, how long should I leave the spruce in there? Will that weaken the woodafter it dries? Some guidance would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks!Fred B.La Crosse, WI_TBYH(at)aol.com_ (mailto:TBYH(at)aol.com) ________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Galen Hutcheson
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Lower longeronsI just glued mine up - didn't seem like that much stress at all. Interested tosee what other say though.Tom B.________________________________________________________________________________Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 16:24:45 -0800 (PST)

Original Posted By: TBYH(at)aol.com
FredThe wood will relax it self over time.Dick N. ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Galen Hutcheson

Original Posted By: TBYH(at)aol.com
Fred,Had no problem laying mine in the jig a couple months ago. Which way's your grainrunning? In the end I ran mine with the grain laying horizontal (parallel)to the run of the longeron (although either direction worked).Important word of advise: Use more jig blocks than you think you need then doublescrew them so they don't pivot around a single screw (this is especially truefor the side trusses and braces). Though my second fuselage side is acceptable"it ain't perfect" compared to the other one. I've had to suck up aboutan 1/8" bow (top to bottom mid-fuselage) by clamping the two side together sothey're even and then gluing on the gussets. This was caused by minute slipageof a couple side trusses during their glue-up (i.e.: slipped overnight). Thatmay sound Greek but if it happens to you you'll know exactly what I'm talkingabout. StacyThere is only one greater thing than to believe in the impossible...and that isto achieve it -- Stacy Clark ----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Javier Cruz

Original Posted By: Don Morris
Subject: Pietenpol-List: LongeronsMany thanks for feedback -- I'll just put the lower longeron in the jig without steaming and go from there. The grain runs with the length of the fuselage-- just like the many balsa wood models I've built over the years. Anyway, it is fun to actually start cutting and gluing wood. I'll share some pics when I get the sides finished and assembled. Got my Sitka and ply from McCormick Lumber in Madison, WI, by the way. Nice folks! Many thanks again! Fred B.La Crosse________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sat, 06 Nov 2004 09:56:46 -0600