Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "gbowen(at)ptialaska.net"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Rib materialIn a message dated 12/27/04 2:00:27 AM, pietenpol-list-digest(at)matronics.com writes:>I built my ribs out of standard douglas fir, obtained from the local lumer yard( a pretty good one). The ribs, as specified, are very strong - the Beech staggerwing down the line uses ribs that are half the size of the Piet.So my pile of 14 ribs weighed almost exactly 5 pounds. Weight is not an issue here, either. Would it make a lot of difference if the pile weighed only 4 pounds{spruce?}, or as much as 6{birch?)?I don't know what woods are available in your area - I'd choose something that is good and available though. I made my decision to use Fir after lookingat the spruce at AS&S.I did not install the gussets as I built the ribs - did that later, and there was no advantage to this. I do have an extra rib, and this has been really useful.I used basswood plywood from AS&S, which is light and glues really well, and would use this again. I think that it develops the full stregth of the fir/plywood interface. Birch or mahogany ply is stronger than my fir, but the gussets would have to be larger to be stronger, as the fir or spruce is the limiting factor.I soaked the rib stock in hot water for five minutes, then bent them in a jig with a slightly sharper curve, and let them dry for a day or two. Worked swell, none cracked or broke (but I had tested the material dry by bending it,and some pieces did break..).If you don't have a planer, now is the time to get one. You will really appreciate what it can do for you.Carl Lekven, Compton Airport, CA________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "malcolm Zirges"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Rib materialIn a message dated 12/27/04 2:00:27 AM, pietenpol-list-digest(at)matronics.com writes:>I built my ribs out of standard douglas fir, obtained from the local lumer yard( a pretty good one). The ribs, as specified, are very strong - theBeech staggerwing down the line uses ribs that are half the size of the Piet.So my pile of 14 ribs weighed almost exactly 5 pounds. Weight is not anissue here, either. Would it make a lot of difference if the pile weighed only 4 pounds{spruce?}, or as much as 6{birch?)?I don't know what woods are available in your area - I'd choose something that is good and available though. I made my decision to use Fir afterlooking at the spruce at AS&S.I did not install the gussets as I built the ribs - did that later, andthere was no advantage to this. I do have an extra rib, and this has been really useful.I used basswood plywood from AS&S, which is light and glues really well,and would use this again. I think that it develops the full stregth of the fir/plywood interface. Birch or mahogany ply is stronger than my fir, but the gussets would haveto be larger to be stronger, as the fir or spruce is the limiting factor.I soaked the rib stock in hot water for five minutes, then bent them in ajig with a slightly sharper curve, and let them dry for a day or two. Worked swell, none cracked or broke (but I had tested the material dry by bendingit, and some pieces did break..).If you don't have a planer, now is the time to get one. You will really appreciate what it can do for you.Carl Lekven, Compton Airport, CA________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: ANNCARLEK(at)aol.com
For any Pieters that are in N. Florida area and still looking for wood. Ibrought down to FL this year approx. 300 Board Ft of Kachemak Bay AK SikaSpruce directly from the sawmill. It's mostly 3/4" by 4" to 6" wide by 8'long. A few pieces 1.5" by 6" wide by 8' long. Knot free, dried 1 yearmin. It's in standing in the hanger Palatka FL(28J). $3.50/bf(12"x12"x1"), this is about 1/5 of what ASpruce charges. Above sizes arefull cut actual sawmill medium finish, you'd need a planer and ripsaw foryour work. If you're interested you can contact me directly, I intend tobring down from AK a few hundred BF each Nov.Gordon BowenOriginal Message:-----------------