roversgonemad
Member
I am getting ready to scratch build a balsa plane and I needed a rib template. Normally, I would draw something up, cad or by hand, and then cut a plywood template to cut ribs. This time I thought I'd try something a little different. I drew up the profile I wanted and made a 3D model. I'll use this printed template, instead of cutting one from ply. So far, it looks like it will work quite well. I will glue sand paper to the back of it, just like the ply, and cut around it with my x-acto. It's a basic Clark-Y. The finished wing will have an 8-1/4" chord. I'll report back on how well it works. So far, the print looks pretty good. Sitting here watching it print, I should have printed a couple of holes to use for clamping the ribs together when I sand them.... I think I will edit the model, and add the holes.