On 29 Dec 2003 10:05:43 -0800, (c hinds) wrote:

Just obtained an all wood aircraft in sore need of repair and paint.
Plywood wing skins and fuse.

I just finished up on one. I used a sabre saw, chop saw, and a really
big hammer....Oh yah, you wanted to be able to reuse the airplane.

What is the proper method for stripping. Primary concern is damage to
the underlying plywood and glue joints.
Is it just sand, sand, sand ? or will chemical strippers suffice.

I'd be very hesitant to use anything other than sanding. Even then you
have to be careful. That skin my be wood, but it is very thin. You
can punch you hand through it as easy, or easier than fabric...unless
of course you try to punch through over a rib or spar. That's really
hard on the knuckles.

A lot depends on how the wood surface was finished. It may be sealed
wood with paint, or many have a covering of resin and a very thin
cloth.

I'd be afraid that what ever would take off the paint would also take
off the resin and cloth. OTOH my experience with wood aircraft is
rather limited.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair?)
www.rogerhalstead.com

Any advice appreciated.
Chinds