As some of you already know, I still have some months to wait before starting to build. My first step, after the "zero step" consisting in preparing the shop, will be the "boat". I have some contacts to buy Spruce, here in Italy, but I'm reading lots of stuff about construction techniques and in one of EAA publications I found an interesting article about replacing Douglas Fir for Spruce.
In a few words, accepting a 29% more weight I could gain 26% in resistence (in general, simply replacing without redesigning the structure) and this could allow me to avoid big trouble in getting the wood (also $$$ related!). My questions: 1. In your opinion/experience, what is the weight of spruce wood you guys used building your KR2S? Obviously that 29% should refer to the wooden part, not to the total weight. 2. I'll install a Rotax 912 (80HP), sensibly lighter than usual installations. Since the weight will increase mainly behind the firewall, will I face problems with the CG position? 3. Some publications report that Douglas Fir is more critical using Epoxies. Is that a known issue? Thank you so much. Cristiano. -- Land the airplane, rubber side down, main wheels first.
