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Can one do the initial flying (40 Hrs) with
just the last sprayfiller coat ?
I wouldn´t do so, the sprayfiller seems to be
porous on some microscopic level. I imagine that is why it sands so easily. If
this is the case, and I think so, the oil and exhaust soot that is inevitably
picked up, will migrate into the filler with the possible result that your
paintwork won´t adhere properly.
I also think it would be a shame to throw your
lovely 320 grit tack and finish overboard. Also, you would most probably
pick up a scratch here and there, the filler is fairly soft, so you´d have to
resand and inspect every square inch again before painting.
If I had decided to fly my plane in primer, I think
I would still pay a lot of intention to the belly, perhaps skip the sprayfiller
and sand the UV primer to 240 grit, while the airframe was still
inverted and then leave the rest of the airframe at the 100 grit
stage. After flight testing, thorough degreasing and a quick resand, I´d
continue with the sprayfiller and wet sanding. As I see it, sprayfilling is
really part of the final paint job, but a part that is well managable by the
builder. It is also the expensive part of the paint job and, most importantly,
your last chance of spotting any imperfections. I don´t expect my painter
and his employees to be as devoted to the finish of my aircraft as I am.
After all, they didn´t spend tons of money and some 3000 hrs. building the darn
thing. In fact, you should expect the painter to see you as a
complete idiot, who just threw away his lifesavings on some useless piece
of junk, that probably won´t ever fly anyway. If you do so, you´ll pay the
necessary attention to your prep work!
Now, I know my painter better than this, but I will
still be around every single minute he works on my plane. I am gonna just walk
around with a piece of sandpaper letting him think that I am there to help him
free of charge..........
So: I am extremely lazy because I am fat. I
build this aircraft because I am also extremely optimistic. I intend to have my
aircraft painted, wet sanded, buffed and waxed before final assembly. I do not
intend to fly the aircraft at any stage earlier than this.
I also plan on having the aircraft painted at an
early stage, that is before i install a lot of wiring, hydraulics and all that.
Yep, it´s gutsy, but this way I will only have to build the plane once. I also
won´t have my installations covered in half a ton of dust, overspray, wetsand
goo, polishing paste, wax and hydraulic fluid. I have payed close attention
to all gaps, hopefully having left enough room for paint. All gaps are,
unless specified different in the manual, 1/16".
If all you guys who flew in primer know this is
too tight, now would be a good time to tell me !!!
Before going to the paintshop, I will rig the plane
completely, adjust gear doors, push rods and the lot, just to be
absolutely certain that all gaps are within specs and I didn´t leave any "jobs
to be done later".........
Then paint shop, wet sand, buff, wrap fuselage in
felt and plastic, install instruments, radios, wiring, inbd. hydraulic lines and
the lot, wax, wax, install interior, weigh, install battery, weigh, relocate
hyd. pump, weigh, wax, test fly for 50 hrs., announce long vacation, go to Osh,
drink beer, drink beer..........................
Hmmm, I´d better stay focused. Back to that pesky
canopy frame. #&%¤# !
Tim Jorgensen
360MKIIOBFB / 65% still
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