Jonathan S Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Hi, Building my first plane that is fully sheeted. I am really struggling to measure and cut the sheets to fit well. Also trying to repair some errors between two existing sheets but really struggling to get them to fit around curves Any hints and tips? Thanks Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Calcutt Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Best to use templates,I use thin card,then you can cut the balsa,lite ply or whatever.A bit of practice and you should be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Any significant bending may require dampening with water to allow it to curve without splitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted August 31, 2021 Share Posted August 31, 2021 (edited) I agree with the above advice. I'd add that I reckon that some designers can be a little ambitious about what can sensibly be covered in continuous sheet, requiring considerable skill and experience and the perfect grade of wood to achieve good results. In such cases, I often use 3/32in balsa planking instead of 1/16in sheet. It's a slower job but, for me at least, far less stressful than wrestling with a single sheet. When the planking is complete, run a sanding block over it just enough to create a bit of dust, then brush diluted PVA (or aliphatic resin) over it. When this is dry, sand the area smooth and you will be pleasantly surprised by the result, which is much stronger than 1/16in sheet and less prone to that 'starved horse' look when the sheeting sags between the formers. Edited August 31, 2021 by Trevor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan S Posted August 31, 2021 Author Share Posted August 31, 2021 thanks guys. I will try with thin card and see how i get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.