M
ARK the aileron cutout and tip trim line
as shown on the plans. Use a fine mark-
ing pen.
Trim the tip of the wing to size with a fine
razor saw. Clean up the cut with a sanding
block and glue the tip block in place using
the same technique you used for the leading
edge.
Cut out the ailerons as shown. We make the
spanwise cut with a knife and straightedge,
similar to the way you trimmed the leading
edge. You might find it helpful to remove the
razor saw blade from its stiffening spine for
making the final chordwise cuts. Clean up the
cut with a sanding block.
O
NCE THE leading edge shape is close,
start checking things with the die cut
templates. The exact locations of the tem-
plates are shown on the plans; however, they
will still give you a good idea of the proper
shape for several inches each side of the
proper location. While it probably is not pos-
sible to get the shape exact using lightweight
balsa construction, you want to get it as
close as possible. Remove the masking tape
for the final shaping, and sand very carefully
with fine sandpaper to avoid changing the
main wing airfoil.
The most important thing is to keep the
shape smooth. The lower surface is especial-
ly critical for launch performance.
If things get really messed up, it is best to cut off the entire
leading edge strip and start over.
Check LE with templates
Sand carefully
Check LE with template
Sand carefully
Repeat until finished
Phoenix
Page 13
Wing Construction
Shape airfoil
Layout cut lines
Trim wing tips
Glue on tip blocks
Cut out ailerons
Cut out ailerons and tip
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