Hatz Biplane Association

should I varnish them now, or wait until I build the wings?

I didn't varnish my ribs until the wing was complete. They are probably easier to varnish first but you don't want to varnish areas that get glued. I don't think it maters what process you cover with since the fabric doesn't get glued to the ribs. I used helmsman urethane spar varnish on the ribs and all areas that won't get fabric glued to them and system three clear coat on everything else. I am not sure what covering process I will use but this way I can change my mind.

I varnished after the wings were built. I used epoxy varnish from Poly Fiber on the parts that would be exposed to dope and glue, regular varnish on the rest. Thinned the first coat, sanded then full strength final coat.

A great way to varnish later=----I owe this to another fellow whose name & pictures I have lost---

Obtain a large old fashioned pump oiler- at least a pint, but a quart gets on the large size..remove long spout,
rig up a fitting for small plastic tubing--1/8" to 1/4" i.d.---start with about 4 ft of tubing.

Drill a hole in the flat side of the brush you have chosen to use--drill it at a very small angle to the side of
the brush, so that it emerges in the middle of the handle, between the layers of bristles. epoxy in the hole a piece
of brass tubing to fit snug inside your flexible vinyl hose. Attach hose to oiler & brush

PUT VARNISH IN PUMP OILER---stroke pump till varnish oozes out of brush---apply brush to ribs,spars,etc.
STAND BACK and admire work while receiving admiring remarks from spectators---

NOTE that you do not have to dip brush into can, dripping as you move back & forth from wood to can
You do not accidentally knock can over, spilling contents on shoes, etc. If you put a clip on pump can,
you can hang it on belt, or wingrib, THIS FREES UP OTHER HAND FOR BLOWING NOSE, SCRATCHING YOUR PACKAGE
or waving at girls passing by.. Even if you set it down & knock it over, Only a small amount will leak out of
pump can at vent. or arount plunger shaft.

VENTILATE painting area sufficiently to keep from ingesting too many fumes !!!

Jerry

I was going to offer some technical advice, but after that, what can I say?
John Hanson

Great idea on brush. Should work for first coat of poly brush For Stearman ribs, I made a 2" deep aluminum pan and simply lay the rib in the varnish and lift with wire hooks for hanging to dry. Areas that get glue can be blue taped.

Michael
N9648B

Another pun loving builder on forum---Thanks JWH