How much do YOU hate composite?

N8RV · #1 02-21-2009, 01:32 PM

Although I've had my hurdles and hiccups along my lengthy and sometimes arduous building path, I've managed to make it this far (with a little help from some friends). OK, a LOT of help from one friend in particular ("Out of the blue of the Texas sky comes SKY KING!").

Anyway, I have come to the conclusion that I HATE working with composite. Hate it with a passion. I can think of no redeeming qualities of this goo. I would rather be chained to a cold, metal chair and be forced to watch streaming videos of Ted Kennedy and Helen Thomas in naked, passionate embrace than to work with composite (could there BE a more revolting mental image?). THAT'S how much I hate the stuff!

I used to think that people made their first flights without wheel pants because they didn't want to go really fast during the test phase. WRONG! They're just the smart ones who know that they'd NEVER fly if they started working on those stupid things.

Harrumph.

Anybody HATE composite more than I?

John Courte · #2 02-21-2009, 02:41 PM

um.. probably not.

w1curtis · #3 02-21-2009, 04:52 PM

You think you hate composites building an -8, building a -10 I though I was through the worst with the cabin top, only to then have to deal with the doors. This is the primary reason my progress has been slow of late. I'm not motivated to work on composites.

Oh, I'm with you....

Hawkeye7A · #4 02-21-2009, 04:55 PM

I would rather be chained to a cold, metal chair and be forced to watch streaming videos of Ted Kennedy and Helen Thomas in naked, passionate embrace than to work with composite (could there BE a more revolting mental image?). THAT'S how much I hate the stuff!

I used to think that people made their first flights without wheel pants because they didn't want to go really fast during the test phase. WRONG! They're just the smart ones who know that they'd NEVER fly if they started working on those stupid things.

Harrumph.

Anybody HATE composite more than I?[/size][/size][/quote]

I don't much care for composite work either but it's part of the learning process. On my day job I do maintenance on UAVs and part of the course was composite. It's not too bad although I sure don't care for the detail involved with prepping it for paint. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of the people, (myself included) go without wheel and gear leg fairings initially in order to create more drag and load the engine better for break-in. After 10-12 hours I installed the fairings and got an honest 13 knots of increase in speed. So, as much as they may suck, they make a **** of a difference! Build on!

BTW, the picture you painted re: Kennedy and Thomas made me run to the bathroom for some Pepto!

osxuser · #5 02-21-2009, 06:23 PM

I love it, the stuff just does whatever you want it do, and if you screw it up... cut the bad part off and do again!

mark schoening · #6 02-21-2009, 07:26 PM

Built a Vari-eze and fibreglass is just another thing to be learned, also built a cassutt--steel tubing and fabric is also a learning curve---all have advantages and down sides----have you ever dropped a tool on alum and expressed anger? Dropping on fibreglass is no big deal, although the dust is bad.-- bld a rv-9 and first alum work and find it very unforgiving to mistakes. But all the same, it is ALL enjoyable and keeps me out of the taverns !!

Geico266 · #7 02-21-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osxuser

I love it, the stuff just does whatever you want it do, and if you screw it up... cut the bad part off and do again!

Yep. Count me in this group.

N941WR · #8 02-21-2009, 08:15 PM

You must be one with the fiberglass.

I realized how good the stuff was after helping a friend make this transition for his oil cooler. We formed it at 9PM, he took it home add fiberglass, and then installed it the next morning.

Captain Sacto · #9 02-21-2009, 09:54 PM

I worked w composites a little in an EAA course a few years back. It seemed to go okay, and was surpisingly strong for just foam, cloth, filler and goo.

More than once I've wanted to do some composite trailing edges, but lacking plans, drawings, and experience, I know better than to over-experiment w my experimental a/c.

Re the kennedy/thomas image, that's a true cringer.

(It's a good thing you aren't building a Lancair.)

GAHco · #10 02-21-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8RV

I used to think that people made their first flights without wheel pants because they didn't want to go really fast during the test phase. WRONG! They're just the smart ones who know that they'd NEVER fly if they started working on those stupid things.

Harrumph.

Anybody HATE composite more than I?

I have been very frustrated, yes, but I have not hated.

Some materials are not pleasant to work with.

PM me and I will send you my Sam James Fiberglass video DVD.

I would rather make a fairing from scratch than re-seal my fuel tanks.

Composites are like going to the physician, your not looking forward to,
it needs to be done,
but it will probably involve some sort of latex or vinyl gloves.