Stands and Cradles

Although the matched-hole process eliminates the need for the traditional wing jig, mounting the wing in a stand makes it easier to build. The stand allows access to both sides of the wing and makes it easy to take measurements and assure the wing is straight. The wing has no washout, twist or taper. I made the Wing Stand out of 2X6, 4X4 and 2X4 lumber. A leveling mechanism was incorporated into the ends. The center of the skeleton will sag toward the floor when it is mounted in the stand so to make installing and removing the skins easier, the skeleton is supported in the middle by an adjustable center support. A fishing line is run along the rivet holes in the main spar and the skeleton is raised just enough to bring the rivet holes even with the fishing line along the length of the spar.