TD-3 , wing issue

Sorry, please disregard my post. I was thinking one piece in an airfoil. I did not realize it was hollow and airfoiled on top and bottom.

Only thing that popped in my mind, was 2 part foam that would expand, but possibly very difficult to control,
not to mention the inner cables for the bellcrank.

Regards, Alberto

I like the idea of inflating the wing back into shape. If you were able to induce a regulated supply of air, say 2-3 psi (just below the pressure that the concave section will pop out at), then heat the area gently until it expands into shape, take away the heat and it should reharden quickly with the constant airflow. You could try to seal leaks in the wing with tape, depending on how much air leaks out, but as long as you have a reasonable flow from a compressor that you can regulate the pressure of, I think it should work.

Rod.

How about using a suction cup to pull up the area in question, and then gently heating the edges of the dent with a hair dryer or such?

Will try both, the suction cup and the gradual inflation. So far, the best solutions

Cannot try it until next month, but will post results.

Thank you!

Regards, Alberto

Oldenginerod wrote:I like the idea of inflating the wing back into shape.  If you were able to induce a regulated supply of air, say 2-3 psi (just below the pressure that the concave section will pop out at), then heat the area gently until it expands into shape, take away the heat and it should reharden quickly with the constant airflow.  You could try to seal leaks in the wing with tape, depending on how much air leaks out, but as long as you have a reasonable flow from a compressor that you can regulate the pressure of, I think it should work.

Rod.

A blower puts out that kind of pressure. A hair dryer maybe, if it has a cold cycle.

Phil

A hair dryer will work well for the heating part. For the inflating, a compressor with a football needle will have to
be the way to go (I think)...

Thank you.

Regards, Alberto

swift53 wrote:A hair dryer will work well for the heating part. For the inflating, a compressor with a football needle will have to
be the way to go (I think)...

Thank you.

Regards, Alberto

If using a compressor be very careful. You don't want to split the wing with too much pressure. The compressor will need to have an adjustable regulator, like for spray painting. I would gradually increase the pressure from zero until the dent just starts to come out, not more than a couple of psi, then turn back the pressure so that it's just below that point. Once the dented area is heated it should inflate into shape without overdoing it. Once it comes into shape, stop heating but allow the air to keep flowing to cool it. If it pops back to where it was when the pressure is off, try just a little more heat.

*Please note, this is only a theory and hasn't been tried by me, but it makes sense to my way of thinking.

Extremely careful...

first week on Nov. we shall know.

Kind regards, Alberto

Hi Alberto, and welcome.
This is an interesting topic. I don't have much to add, except
you might consider using a bicycle or air mattress pump.
A hand pump should give you plenty of airflow control.
Bob

dckrsn wrote:Hi Alberto, and welcome.
This is an interesting topic. I don't have much to add, except
you might consider using a bicycle or air mattress pump.    
A hand pump should give you plenty of airflow control.
Bob

As anxious as I am (and probably the rest of us too..) to see if you can fix that wing.. I'm actually glad that you're waiting until next month. In the meantime you may get more replies to this topic with other ideas to consider.

I think that the "needle" for inflating footballs etc. is a good idea.. as long as you can seal the wing airtight.

I'm known for my crazy ideas.. so here's one to consider..

Firstly............ the wing should be warm.. and your workshop should also be warm. If the wing is cold.. there's more risk of cracking it when trying to reform it.

You may not need to internally-inflate the wing with compressed air. Suction cups were mentioned. Craft-stores would likely have these in different sizes. Try to find a small one that you can tie a length of string to.. so that you can get a "straight-pull" on it. Secure the string above your workbench on a hook and hang/suspend the wing an inch or two above your workbench. Moisten the suction-cup and apply it to the dented area. You now have both hands-free to work. Obtain a wash-cloth and wet it to the point of saturation.. but not dripping. Fold it into quarters and lay it on the wing for a bit of weight. Then heat the dented-area "gently" and "gradually" using a hair-dryer and watch to see if the dent begins to release. Be patient and don't overheat the panel. If the dent levels completely out.. stop the process and just leave it hanging with the weight on it. After several hours, the washcloth will dry-out; gradually releasing the tension.

If the dent "reforms".. you could alternately try a rapid-cooling method by reheating.. followed by quenching with a small container of cold water. It shouldn't take much to cool the panel. Place a large cookie-sheet under the wing to catch the water. If using water.. be sure to drain any if it gets inside the wing.

Just had to google TD-3 and take a look

Gonna be tough with the vacuum formed ribs on the top of the formed hollow wing

Good idea to post a few pics of the deformity

I think I would be tempted to make one or more Lite foam or balsa internal ribs, slit the underside of the airfoil and sneak them in then glue/ tape the slits closed

Of course a replacement TD3 in good condition is usually a $200+ investment

.

fredvon4 wrote:Just had to google TD-3 and take a look

Gonna be tough with the vacuum formed ribs on the top of the formed hollow wing

Good idea to post a few pics of the deformity

I think I would be tempted to make one or more Lite foam or balsa internal ribs, slit the underside of the airfoil and sneak them in then glue/ tape the slits closed

Of course a replacement TD3 in good condition is usually a $200+ investment

I would be weary cutting or otherwise doing any major surgery. My TD-3 is NOS and except for this 'small issue',
It would be a 100 point plane. Virgin.

Tried squeezing together the leading and trailing edges together, and it will regain the original shape,
but as soon as you let go, boing, back to hollow..
if that is of any help...

Absolutely thrilled about all the great replies , still have 2 more weeks before experimenting begins.

Regards, Alberto

you might try using hot water, stick wing under faucet while holding as described earlier, letting it cool while holding, when i comes to reshaping plastics, i prefer steam or hot water to hairdryer or heatgun and even then it's still kind of a crap shoot reforming plastic.

TD-3

lifted photo
Bob

TD-3

lifted photo    
Roddie