On 27 Oct 2003 06:30:14 GMT, Del Rawlins
wrote:

On 26 Oct 2003 06:24 PM, Lou Parker posted the following:
Can anyone tell me the truth? When I read articles about the
difference between the two woods, the information says that fir is 23%
stronger than spruce. When I talk to people they say only 10%. Anyone
got a handle on this?

The difference between the two, is that sitka spruce will often forgive
less than perfect technique, while doug fir will split if you so much as
think the wrong thoughts about it. Sometimes even if you don't. Spruce,
on the other hand, is a joy to work with. A few years ago I turned some
unairworthy citabria spars into parts for a canoe. Still hoarding the
one leftover spar for future use. 8^)

agree with del.
douglas fir will splinter along the arris while working it. pays to
wear gloves because of this. (ask dave king in canada about his corby
starlet experience)

had the dregs of a crashed corby starlet once. the main landing gear
beam is a composite of ash and spruce across the lower fuselage that
the two landing gear springs bolt to.
on the crashed aircraft douglas fir and ash had been used.
had no problems in use for about 5 years.
in the crash the part was shattered, much in the way that you would
split a block down with a tommahawk into kindling wood for starting a
fire.

in australia the jodel has been redesigned locally to use douglas fir
(oregon pine) in place of spruce and the examples I know of have no
serviceability problems due to the wood.

resorcinol formaldehyde glues it ok as will epoxy.
Stealth Pilot
Australia