Top Flite TOPA0415 - Manual (Page 11)

Refer to this photo for the following four steps.
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11. Use a bar sander and 80-grit sandpaper to
bevel the LE of the ribs to match the aft sweeping
angle of the LE.
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12. Bevel the ends of both 3/8" x 1/2" x 18" stab
LE’s where they meet in the center of the stab, then
cut them to the correct length (slightly oversize is
okay so the ends extend past ribs S6) and glue
them, centered height-wise, to the front of the ribs.
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13. Sheet the center of the stab between both S1
ribs using a 3/32" x 4" x 30" balsa sheet. Note that the
sheeting is between the ribs, not on top of the ribs.
This has the same reinforcing effect as wrapping the
center section with glass cloth and epoxy, but is
easier, neater and faster!
❏
14. Use a razor plane followed by sanding to trim
the top of the LE and TE even with and at the same
angle as the top of the ribs.
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15. From the 3/32" sheet you used for the center
section and three more 3/32" x 4" x 30" balsa sheets,
cut the eight pieces that make up the four stab skins
as shown in the sketch. Note that one sheet of balsa
yields two smaller “aft parts” and one “front part.”
Save the leftover balsa sheeting for use later.
Note: The sketch is used to show the positioning and
shape of the parts only. Determine the actual sizes of
the parts by positioning the sheets over the stab and
making marks with a ballpoint pen. Make the parts
oversize to allow for trimming and positioning.
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16. Refer to the Hot Tip that follows, then glue the
sheets together to make four stab skins.
C. Turn the sheets over and apply glue to the
joining edges. Slow drying glue like Great Planes
Pro Aliphatic resin is recommended because this
provides working time for alignment, because the
excess can easily be wiped away and because it
sands well. You may use CA if you prefer.
B. Tightly tape one side of the pieces together with
masking tape.
HOW TO GLUE BALSA SHEETING TOGETHER
TO MAKE SKINS
A. Use a straightedge to true the joining edges of
the balsa sheets.
Top Flite selects balsa that is intended for sheeting,
though occasionally a few of these sheets may
have a small nick or split near the ends. If your kit
contains a few of these sheets, arrange them and
glue them together so the defects will not interfere
with the final shape of the skin.
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