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I was wondiering if anyone has tried using a vacuum pump to provide pressure for clamping wing skins on to the spars. I know the traditional way is to put lead weights along the wing above the spar but vacuum can be a lot more even in distribution.
The one BIG thing to watch is vacuum pressure since only a very small amount of vacuum would be required, (I know I'll hear some screaming on this!) Therefore a good vacuum gauge and valve would be required. I use vacuum frequently for composite construction of all sorts and once you get use to it, it's a really great way to build. For clamping, it's great! But a wing would have ribs and large unsupported areas that could break under excessive bending load.
Like I say, it's a great way for some things, but I don't know if anyone has tried it for this sort of thing. Extraordinary care would be required.
Dan Newland
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