Wings folding with foamboard builds

[MadMonkey]

I don’t think the original poster was flying fast or hard either, just “flying jerky”, like we all do when we start out.

It’s definitely possible to fold the wings, and one time I was flying my Spitfire and I told my friend, “let’s see if I can fold the wings”. I went way up high, then came straight down and pulled up hard at the bottom. It gave itself a high five. So yeah, totally possible, but it generally doesn’t happen under normal conditions or the slow flying that a beginner typically does.

The point I was trying to make is that it’s not typical for a beginner flyer to be folding wings regularly, indicating a probable build issue. Identifying and correcting that issue is simpler than re-engineering the wing.

Flying Jerky sounds like a Peter Sripol video lol

 

[Bricks]

I'm not sure I can picture what you are describing. What exactly is we have after doing what you describe?

Wing tube for support if other alternatives are not available like carbon fiber tubes etc.

 

[MadMonkey]

Wing tube for support if other alternatives are not available like carbon fiber tubes etc.

I think he meant what material you're talking about because I'm confused too. I'm thinking like those annoying small packages that take 10 minutes to open with a knife, but that would be too small for a wing tube 😂

 

[Bricks]

I think he meant what material you're talking about because I'm confused too. I'm thinking like those annoying small packages that take 10 minutes to open with a knife, but that would be too small for a wing tube 😂

Exactly except think bigger some cookies come in plastic containers that snap shut, anything that comes in a thin stiffer plastic some clothes, blankets may have plastic covers to show the color style etc.

 

[dap35]

I think I can envision what you are talking about. The wing that folded on my flat flyer wasn't the glued joint, it was just compressed foam right next to the body (just the left wing, the right is fine). I just need to find where to get carbon spars. 120 mph. Dang.

For straight wings, you can use a carbon arrow shaft. Its been a bit, but I found Walmart had some at a good price.

 

[AIRFORGE]

For straight wings, you can use a carbon arrow shaft. Its been a bit, but I found Walmart had some at a good price.

That's where I get mine. Just pull off the fletching, take out the nock, tap the insert out, and voila, it's a spar.

 

[Foamforce]

For straight wings, you can use a carbon arrow shaft. Its been a bit, but I found Walmart had some at a good price.

Head over to your local archery range. There’s always a bucket in the corner with damaged carbon fiber arrows. Cut off the damaged part and you have unlimited free spars. 🙂

 

[toryander]

I'm trying the bamboo skewer technique to strengthen my foamboard wings. I don't think I'm doing it right. This doesn't look good, although I can tell the wing is much stronger.

 

[toryander]

Here's an update. I was finally able to get another MightyMini Explorer built (with sport wing). This time I reinforced the wings with 10" bamboo skewers (inserting 3 of them into the foam between the paper). For good measure I also applied the fiber glass tape to the bottom of the wing as explained above. I flew it this morning. I did some big loops as well (as some unintentional acrobatics). I could see the wings flexing as I pulled out and yet the wings stayed strong. After all the wings I've folded, I'm a believer. Thanks for all the input.