Source for Laser Main Spar Wood

[Akrodriver]

Hi folks,
Do any of you know of a reliable source for Sitka spruce (preferred) or Douglas Fir? Have any of you built up a main spar?
Thank you!
Steve

[Fauxpilot]

I’m surprised no one has responded to this yet. I’ve been lurking on this post, hoping for some answers. I’m also curious if there is a local source for grade A spruce (San Antonio).

I’m also wondering if the two long pieces of the spar need to be continuous or if they can be spliced. Aircraft Spruce doesn’t have anything longer than 24’. The bottom spar cap is slightly longer than that.

[Akrodriver]

I'm not sure how many people on this site are building a Laser or derivative there of.

According to the original spar dwg. by Clayton Stephens, there are to be no scarf joints within 72 inches of the spar center line and no scarf joints within 36 inches of each other. After trying a few different scenarios staying within the Stephens criteria, the magic minimum length is 19ft-6in. this will allow for one scarf joint in the first plank(aft face of spar) and the second plank to have one(1) 15:1 scarf joint on opposite sides of the center line. In order to build the plank layup, you will need just under 100 linear feet of 4/4 x 9.00 (TRUE) raw lumber.

This does not take in account the material for the rear spar.

Steve

[youngman1]

Hello

For anyone interested I have a damaged Laser wing for sale. Requires a spar splice at one tip and a rib on the other side. I've also got the spruce required to repair.

It would really kill me to have to break it down as i know it would be a great start for somebody looking at building a Laser.

[norm5667]

What is the location of the damaged wing if you have it still. What particulars as to time/years in service? Thanks.

[norm5667]

Doug Fir is fairly readily available at about 1/3 the cost of Sitka spruce. C (clear or better) and true vertical grain with at least 7 or 8 growth rings per inch. That lumber should be available in many places around the U.S. It runs about 10.00 per board/foot down here in FL. I don't whether it is as good as the material in the Pacific N.W. lumberyards and specialty lumber places. I figured about 1200.00 for main and aft spar material as opposed to 3500.00+ to have it shipped from A/C Spruce and Specialty. Example: one yard here (Tampa) offers vertical grain only in rough cut 2x6 which would slice nicely into 1x's for the main spar layup. Everything else is either rift or quarter sawn or edge sawn (no good for spars). Harder to work with than Spruce, edges splinter more easily. I'm not a master woodworker by any means but I'm planning to have a go at the spar in Doug Fir. Even the "Spruce Goose" was mostly not spruce. Still really dislike the idea of a weight penalty of any type on such a clean and beautiful design. Right, need to stagger those scarf joints.

Here's a photo of some nice looking Doug Fir that has the look of good spar stock:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=htt ... AdAAAAABAP

[Akrodriver]

Thank you for your input Norm. I have considered using Doug-Fir and like you have my concerns about the 5 pound/ft^3 weight difference. For this reason is why I am also considering a hybrid composite spar. This is what Leo had in his L200. Though I am in contact with people that were around when the wing was built, I have not been able to get any information on it's construction.

An aside:
I have found that this site does not fit my needs, so I have started a group on Facebook. There is a link below if you are interested in participating.

Regards,

Steve

https://www.facebook.com/groups/811862293002936

[norm5667]

Thanks for the invite Steve , reckon i'll mosey on over there and say howdy.

[youngman1]

What is the location of the damaged wing if you have it still. What particulars as to time/years in service? Thanks.

Hi Norm, i've put details of my wing on the Facebook group, thanks.