Hatz Biplane Association







723

OWNER/BUILDER: Todd Mason

REGISTRATION:



May 25, 1999:

Attached is a file showing the construction method I have elected to use for the wing ribs. The ribs are constructed out of 1/8" plywood with 1/8" x 1/4" plywood cap strip stiffeners glued to each side top and bottom. Although this makes the rib cap strips 3/8" thick, the ease of construction ( glue 4 pieces to the rib), the dimensional stability, and the added strength pay off. The best part of all is it takes a half hour to cut out all the ribs - I had them laser cut from a CADD drawing.

Construction is continuing on Hatz T3, #723.

The image shows one rib and the separate 1/8" ply cap strips. The laser cutting made the cap strips possible. They claim that all cuts are within 0.002"!!! Fits like a jig saw puzzle.


May 7, 1999:

I have kept up with your web page many months now. VERY MUCH ENJOY IT!!! I am building Hatz #723 here in the great state of Washington about 30 miles south of Lorin. It seems I call and visit Lorin to talk Hatz just about as much as I visit your web-site. I will send pictures of my progress as soon as I can find time to scan them in and write a narrative.


Click on thumbnail pictures to see full size

Laser-cut wing ribs.
Todd's plan for a Taperwing Hatz