Wingtip fitting

Discussion for Waiex builders on specific plans page experience. These posts are limited to technical suggestions such as assembly order, challenges, or techniques related to specific plans pages.

Wingtip fitting

Postby gregsonex » Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:13 pm

What do folks recommend for getting the wingtips to fit perfectly? Theres a small spacing gap at the leading edge of each wingtip that’s enough for me to wonder if I should use filler to get a good fit or should I try something else?
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby Kai » Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:40 am

If it is any consolation, mine were even worse than yours. So bad, in fact, that I decided to make my own out of sheet.

Major mistake!

The stiffness the factory wingtips provide to the wing ends once installed, should not be overlooked. Now I am facing the daunting task of taking my old sheet tips off and rivet on the ones Sonex shipped to me.

However, the question remains- what to do with the gaps?
Sonex A #0525- SG, DS.
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby T41pilot » Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:57 am

Pretty common result when fitting the skin.

I used some strips of aluminum to fill the larger gaps and then finished with some filler. You can glue or use an existing rivet location to hold the strips in place. Turned out fine. I also had to trim the skin edges back a bit to blend with the tip as well.
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby Bryan Cotton » Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:21 am

I ended up making two left wingtips. Ultimately the secret is to really jam it forward for fit. Similar philosophy for installing the tail tips.
Bryan Cotton
Poplar Grove, IL C77
Waiex 191 N191YX
Taildragger, Aerovee, acro ailerons
dual sticks with sport trainer controls
Prebuilt spars and machined angle kit
Year 2 flying and approaching 200 hours December 23
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby gregsonex » Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:25 pm

Thanks for input. Bryan I did try and push it forward as much as possible, unfortunately the holes I drilled will be a tiny bit off. It won't eliminate the gap and it's not a perfect fit so I'll prob push forward as much as I can and then use filler. Gregg I'm also gonna shave off a little on the skin edges to get a really snug fit.
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby Bryan Cotton » Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:48 pm

I think my glass wingtips are also a little proud of the skins. I'm sort of remembering doing that for fit. I'll get a picture tonight.
Bryan Cotton
Poplar Grove, IL C77
Waiex 191 N191YX
Taildragger, Aerovee, acro ailerons
dual sticks with sport trainer controls
Prebuilt spars and machined angle kit
Year 2 flying and approaching 200 hours December 23
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby kmacht » Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:16 pm

The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby Bryan Cotton » Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:13 pm

kmacht wrote:The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.

Very true!

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Screenshot_20240223-171135-648.png (448.09 KiB) Viewed 2767 times


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Screenshot_20240223-171201-660.png (487.9 KiB) Viewed 2767 times
Bryan Cotton
Poplar Grove, IL C77
Waiex 191 N191YX
Taildragger, Aerovee, acro ailerons
dual sticks with sport trainer controls
Prebuilt spars and machined angle kit
Year 2 flying and approaching 200 hours December 23
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Re: Wingtip fitting

Postby daleandee » Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:08 pm

kmacht wrote:The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.


The advantage to the low wing is when someone bends over to look & criticize your wingtip installation that is a good time to give a swift kick in the pants ... 8~)

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