Experience with AFS?

[Michael Horowitz]

Am trying to decide on a covering system for my Tcraft.
Searching thru the archives for comments on various systems, we find
that AFS is apparently the least expensive and toxic.
If you've had experience with the system, I'd like to hear pros/cons -
Mike

[Bugs66]

On May 6, 7:20 am, Michael Horowitz > wrote:
> Am trying to decide on a covering system for my Tcraft.
> Searching thru the archives for comments on various systems, we find
> that AFS is apparently the least expensive and toxic.
> If you've had experience with the system, I'd like to hear pros/cons -
> Mike

Hi Mike,
I went to the Stewart Systems class and was very impressed. No fumes
and water washup. No Hazmat. The cement (Ekobond) is incredible and a
joy to work with. I will be covering my project with it for sure. It
recenty became STC'd for all certified aircraft. I put a writeup on
my project site: www.supercubproject.com

My friends Super Cub was covered with it using a 337 around 6 or 7
years ago. It was based in South Dakota and Wyoming during that
time. Today the fabric looks beautiful and there are no cracks in the
topcoat to be seen.

Christian

[Michael Horowitz]

On 6 May 2007 10:55:38 -0700, Bugs66 > wrote:


>
>Hi Mike,
>I went to the Stewart Systems class and was very impressed. No fumes
>and water washup. No Hazmat. The cement (Ekobond) is incredible and a
>joy to work with. I will be covering my project with it for sure. It
>recenty became STC'd for all certified aircraft. I put a writeup on
>my project site: www.supercubproject.com
>
>My friends Super Cub was covered with it using a 337 around 6 or 7
>years ago. It was based in South Dakota and Wyoming during that
>time. Today the fabric looks beautiful and there are no cracks in the
>topcoat to be seen.
>
>Christian


Christian - very impressive web site. As I'm a beginning welder I was
very impressed with your jigging. Did the plans show you how or did
you just go with your experience? The technique you used at
http://www.supercubproject.com/albums/3/96.aspx to avoid springback -
any idea with how large a diameter tubing you can use that trick?

Thanks for the info on the System. Would you mind if I e-mailed your
friend for additional information? - Mike

[Bugs66]

>
> Thanks for the info on the System. Would you mind if I e-mailed your
> friend for additional information? - Mike

Hi Mike,
The jigging on the photo you reference was for Piper C-channel. I
haven't tried that particular technique on tube because I would fear
the tube would collapse with the heat. For tube it is best to cold
bend using a radius'd wood form. If the tube is > 1/2" diameter
probably need to fill with sand or use a mandrel bender for the best
curves.

I would give you my friend's email but he really isn't knowledgeable
on the subject. He bought the plane from the person in Wyoming and it
was covered by them. We read about it in his logs.

If you go to the photo gallery on Stewartsystems.aero you should be
able to get some names. A little Googling with the names and you will
probably turn up some phone numbers. Also, don't hesitate to call Doug
or Dan at Stewart Systems for some references.

Christian

[Michael Horowitz]

On Sun, 06 May 2007 10:20:34 -0400, Michael Horowitz
> wrote:

>Am trying to decide on a covering system for my Tcraft.
>Searching thru the archives for comments on various systems, we find
>that AFS is apparently the least expensive and toxic.
>If you've had experience with the system, I'd like to hear pros/cons -
>Mike


This just in: the STC begins at the glue, which means it doesn't
matter what you use as the metal primer. That in turn means that I
have my choice of two-part primers, some of which are not specific to
a/c i.e. marine or automotive 2-part primers. I haven't compared
prices but I'll let you know; if we look at the archives for RAH, we
see all sort of primers that are now open to use on a certified a/c !
That should make VeeDuber very happy; I know it makes me grin, since
I've been p@SSS*d since I discovered that if you use the Ceconite
process, you gotta start with their primer, or if you use the
Poly-whatever, same story. - MIke