Fabric Process

[MikeB]

It is bad stuff but it works so well. When I was applying tapes on the L16 I actually wore by fresh air supply which isn't a whole lot of fun. I've looked at the Stewart system but I've also heard plus and minues on that process also. What to do
Mike

[Paul Agaliotis]

Mike,
I'm switching to Stewarts on the next project. I've done some wings and stuff but no complete aircraft. Don't see much wrong with it.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Menards, Ace, and other have pulled MEK from the shelves. I can buy it ar Sherwin-Williams, but you have to ask for it. Seems the youngsters use it in the 'meth' labs I am told and that was the rationale for taking it off the shelves.

[bob turner]

I have done a number of minor repairs using Stewarts glue and Ekofill, and find them interesting, easy to apply, and strong as all get-out. I have used Butyrate on top of the Ekofill with pretty much spectacular success - some of the patches have been outside for three years with no obvious problems.

When doing covering requiring a 337, I stick to nitrate/butyrate, because I understand it, and can get a really good finish. I have only seen an equivalent Stewarts finish on the test panels that come out of the seminars. I am sure that Jason and the experts are getting the "wet look" on entire aircraft - I am probably not good enough with measuring and spraying to get a good water based finish.

[MikeB]

I finally settled on Superflite 7 (the new 'cold weather' process) for the Chief project. I guess mostly because I'm familiar with the process and I already have a fresh air supply (Hobbyair) for painting, etc. Rather than using MEK to thin the glue they now recommend acetone which is a little more 'user friendly and seems to be going on well. So far I have the fuselage stripped and painted with epoxy, covered and taped. Just finished covering and taping the last aileron this afternoon. On to the tail feathers........ .

Mike

[Richard Murray]

Bob
Thanks for sharing. I have been a PolyFiber fan and have promised myself the next project is going to be Stewarts. I'm sure once I study and experience it as deeply as I have the Stitts process I will like it as much, maybe more.

Mike,

Glad to hear you are still progress with the snow and cold of winter. How many trees have given themselves to keeping the hangar comfortable....

I have been hunkered down except on those days when the temp gets above 40F.

Richard

[MikeB]

Richard,
My shop is only about 75 feet from the house and heated with propane. My insurance company doesn't like wood stoves which is Ok with me as I'd rather work on the plane than cut wood. I have a programmable thermostat so the heat comes up at 7:00 am and goes back to 60 degrees at 4:00 at which forces me to head for the house and "happy hour" . It has been cold here though with temperatures well below zero for several nights and about 5-6 inches of snow on the ground. On the other hand, I can't think of anything better than being warm, working on the plane with the radio on and a snow storm outside.

Mike