The man-hour requirement for finishing the Europa surfaces is well known
to be very high so perhaps any input, even going against the received
wisdom might be welcome. The following has been tried so far only on fin
and rudder but looks remarkably productive.
Make two inverted T-shaped "skis" from 15 mm block board, height equal
your device*, and length somewhat longer, with carpet tile on the bottom.
Screw them to the ends of a lighter rectangular board a foot or so wide
(according to "wavelength" required) and mount your "device" in the
centre. You then have an "epoxy plane" (your second), infinitely variable
under the pressure of your hand from zero to a removal rate which will
raise your thickest run-ridden coating to top quality in minutes.
* Device = Bosch belt sander 60 mm or 100 mm, 75 to 110 pounds sterling
40 to 280 grit belts available.
There must be a Black & Decker version but the Bosch are everywhere.
Drawing will appear in the FTP - (SANDSKI.ZIP).
Notes:
These devices transit the abrasive at several hundred fpm. and are
normally entirely unsuitable for this task due to violent behaviour when
tilting takes place. The above stabiliser, if first carefully checked and
aligned with shims, and tried out on a flat surface first (other than the
aircraft) tames it. Do not use on tacky surfaces- they shouldn't be if
the mix is right and adequate curing time has been allowed, but they will
drag with any type of sanding if this is not the case. If in any doubt,
hand run a fine grit paper over the surface. If anything but dust appears
,or the paper looks as if it has caught the black death, do not proceed.
Ensure the job is held down (by something or someone), and use only the
device handles, as there can be some hefty dragging forces to resist when
it is working hard. A good guide to removal rate is the change in
"engine" note which you can adjust with hand pressure. And of course
don't run off the edges with either ski !
gemin no.83
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