Conference vmszoo::rc

    
    	Had the same situation with the top front sides of the GP Sportser
    this past winter.  I use the household cleaning stuff.  Just soaked
    it and clamped one end in a vise (with wood protecting it, not to
    the metal) and twirled the other end with a clamp (w/ wood again)
    90 degrees.  When it dried, it sprange back only a little.  Sanded
    one edge flat and glued it on the plane.  Then sanded the tops of
    these two guys and glued on the top block.
    
    	I love these contruction techniques.  Start with 4lbs of wood,
    glued every which way.  Then sand off 3.8lbs of wood...
    
    	Good luck.

>                                        The water trick I've heard of 
>   and used, but Ammonia? Who, what, and where does one find this? Any 
>   precautions that I should be aware of? Does it work better than water?

One of the hobby magazines suggest to use WINDEX.  It is suppose to work
just like ammonia but without the smell.  Since I have not used it I cannot
say just how it will turn out.

I've used the amonia trick.  I dilude the amonia with 50% warm
water and let the balsa soak in that.  Great for doing small
bends as in laminating small rubber model wing tips.  The amonia
softens the balsa fibers, making them much more pliable than
soaking in just water.  You should let it soak 15-20 minutes.

Never thought of using straight amonia.  This is because the 1/16
or so stuff I use for laminating softens just fine in the cut
solution.  I would imagine  that if I were trying to bend 1/8
stuff I would try the straight stuff.

Sheeting with 1/8?? I'd cut that to 3/32, no matter what the
plans said.  Save a gram any way you can!

    On my Sportster 20, the plans recommended using ammonia for presoaking
    and forming the balsa.  I used the straight household brand with
    an arrangement affixed to a sawhorse outside...no problems with
    fumes that way!  On a Dumas SK Daddle I built years ago, the forming
    of the plywood hull was done under moist steam...
    
    

I once saw a demonstration of what amonia does to wood.  A piece of 
hardwood was exposed to supercooled ammonia vapor. After a while, they 
were able tie a knot in the middle of a 2X4!!  Pretty wild.  They were 
making furniture and lamps requiring "crazy" bends.  


...bill

        Re:< Note 248.35 by AKOV02::DHUGHES "the OTHER Dave Hughes..." >

        Dave,
        
                Just a quick comment.
        
>    others.  A few pieces will need steam to restraighten.  The ribs
        
                Don't use steam.  Too hot, sets too quickly.  Use ammonia
        and leave in press until it has evaporated.
        
        Anker