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@KrajciTom@universeodon.comPolishing the glider's paint - a brief experiment with an electric dual-action polisher on a test piece.
I used a coarse foam disk and cutting/buffing (not polishing) compound. The machine was at the lowest speed and light pressure was used for a minute or two.
This is a promising follow up to: https://universeodon.com/@KrajciTom/114197665061988882
The difference in surface prep was obvious. Where the paint had been sanded with 1200, the surface gained a gloss almost instantly. If the surface was sanded with 600, it remained hazy. Those sections only sanded with 400 were very hazy, even with more polishing time and a bit more pressure.
It looks like I'll hand sand to 1200, then use the electric polisher.
I just had an idea. If I build a bracket/clamp to hold the polisher upside down, I can hold small parts and better control the process.
#avgeek #aviation #ElectricAircraft #ExperimentalAviation #homebuilt
#Glider #DIY #Paint #Sand #Buff #Polish
Ah sanding off all the rough surface boundary layer adhesion magic.
What do we know about surface quality/finish and its impact on drag? Do such studies date back to Ye Olde NACA?
Ya just got to put the rough bits where it matters and hope it does less harm that good. I think you need to conduct those experiments. Polish it all up shiny, do some Dick Johnson style L/D and oil stain measurements and then maybe dimple the wing with a punch and hammer to resemble a golf ball. Start at the trailing edge and work forwards measuring as you go. 
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Thought I noticed somewhere Schleicher giving up on blown flaperon turbolators. Maybe just on one model glider? Not sure, can't find it now. Ah marketing vs. aerodynamics vs. practical issues.
I think the info about abandoning turbulators was in a Stefan Langer video where he's touring the HpH factory.
No, this one was something from Schleicher maybe a TN or new glider brochure.
@KrajciTom I use a 1/3 sheet orbital sander over all flattish or convex areas and only hand sand in tight spots. You have to be very in concave areas careful not to catch the edges of the sander on the surface though, they can produce deep scratches.