Small pitch pocket in spar??

[buzzypeterson]

I've got my spars cut and they look great other than a couple of very small pitch pockets. (About the size of 3 grain) and 2 inches long.  I'm ok with splicing 12 to 1. My question is,  would it be better to just add in a second splice to remove the pitch pocket or if I should just leave it.  My understanding is that a perfect scarf joint is stronger than the original wood,  is there a problem with using more than one splice?  An antique airplane friend said just leave the pitch pocket, scrape the pitch out and dump a little t88 in and it's good as new.  What do you guys think?  I'm leaning towards splicing.

[Dan_]

I've got my spars cut and they look great other than a couple of very small pitch pockets. (About the size of 3 grain) and 2 inches long. I'm ok with splicing 12 to 1. My question is, would it be better to just add in a second splice to remove the pitch pocket or if I should just leave it. My understanding is that a perfect scarf joint is stronger than the original wood, is there a problem with using more than one splice? An antique airplane friend said just leave the pitch pocket, scrape the pitch out and dump a little t88 in and it's good as new. What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards splicing.

Here is some guidance:
Look at the


You are on your own finding it...  It is the entire advisory circular AC4313.

[buzzypeterson]

Ya thanks I've read the 143. My question is, if these are considered box spars. And what is considered a protruding piece.  It's a hard choice to splice or leave it.

[Dan_]

Ya thanks I've read the 143. My question is, if these are considered box spars. And what is considered a protruding piece. It's a hard choice to splice or leave it.

Not boxed...  I beam-ish.  Half I beam-ish.  


The way I see it, the spar cap protrudes from the side of the web...  (all the way from the root to the tip)  


The wording in AC-4313 leaves a lot to be desired as far as conveying understanding.  The only way one could construe what they say into meaning you could leave it, is if you take them to be saying the side that is glued to the web is a "portion" that is not protruding.  

If that is actually what is meant, conceivably then they could be saying it could be OK if the pitch pocket was on the side to be glued.


I don't think leaving it is an option.  The question then would be splice or replace.  


There is a right way to splice and a wrong way.  Study the Advisory Circular closely regarding the grain orientation...

These are just my opinions of course...

[buzzypeterson]

Yesa splice with the router jig is so accurate you couldn't see it with a magnifying glass.  I trust them no problem. Did you notice it says that pitch pockets are acceptable and also says not acceptable. That thing is so contradictory.