Eagler's Nest

Airframes => Single Seaters => XL => Topic started by: Shay King on February 14, 2026, 11:15:53 AM

Title: Tail surface bracing wire?
Post by: Shay King on February 14, 2026, 11:15:53 AM

Just a quick question. Leonard’s plans show 1/16” bracing wire on the tail surfaces. The list of materials doesn’t seem to mention any 1/16” wire.
My crate of material from John Bolding contained only 3/32” wire.
What are builders using there? Is it simpler to use 3/32” for everything?
Thanks.

Title: Re: Tail surface bracing wire?
Post by: pappyadkins on February 14, 2026, 12:04:58 PM

I also got John Bolding's kit & according to him & Leonard - 3/32” for everything... I believe the original had smaller wire, but I think the lawyers modified... lol

Title: Re: Tail surface bracing wire?
Post by: Kamcoman77 on February 14, 2026, 03:17:32 PM

In looking at an old post where I asked the same question, I learned that many of the builders, including Les Homan on ORV used 1/16" bracing wire. No reported issues from anyone. I decided to use 1/16" 7x7 stainless cable on my XL.

Title: Re: Tail surface bracing wire?
Post by: Shay King on February 15, 2026, 01:28:54 AM

Thanks guys.

Title: Re: Tail surface bracing wire?
Post by: Shay King on March 24, 2026, 10:57:23 AM

I couldn’t hold the gusset spacers in place Leonard’s way by dimpling the gusset. I had some old JB weld and it didn’t hold very well, probably due to the zinc chromate I’d sprayed on when riveting the gussets. I welded little tabs onto the spacers and I think one rivet should hold them in place.