It sounds to me like it might be time for a scientific test. Lay up two wooden
test frames of a statistically-significant size (say maybe 2 ft. square apiece),
cover both using the same fabric, and then finish one with the Poly-Fiber
process and the other with the Fisher latex house paint method (as detailed in
Stevee's notes on Westcoastpiet).
When completely cured, cut both test sections out of their frames and put them
on a digital scale and compare the weight. Multiply the difference by the approximate
number of yards of fabric used in a Piet project, and we will then know
how much difference there is in weight.
I was quite surprised to see that John Dilatush's (now Greg Bacon's) "Mountain
Piet" also wears latex house paint. It's a beauty.
I do value Ernie Moreno's input. He is a Tech Counselor and has quite a number of fine projects under his belt, is extremely generous with his time and talent, and lives at the Independence, Oregon airpark that spawned the "Noon Patrol"... the squadron of 13 Nieuport replicas that flew into the history books a few years ago as a remarkable group project. Pictures and story at http://eaa292.org/noonpatrol_hi-res.html
Oscar Zuniga
Air Camper NX41CC
San Antonio, TX
mailto: taildrags@hotmail.com
website at http://www.flysquirrel.net
