wing spars

[fresnoxl]

I'll be starting the spars on my XL soon and the plans call for tapering the spar cap down to 1/4 inch 34 inches on the end of the wing. My question is why? Thanks

[Dan_]

It saves weight and lift is less out to the end of the wing, so less stress on the spar...

[fresnoxl]

Thanks, I wondered if that was the reason. I wonder how many ounces it saves? I have to drive from Fresno to Carona CA, just to get the spruce cap strips at Aircraft Spruce. I'll also pick up some 4130 and plywood. 530 mile round trip makes me hesitate at cutting on the cap strips.

[Dan_]

Measure 3 times, cut once...

[Dan_]

Measure, write it down.  Measure again, write it down.  Measure one more time, and cut...

[Shay King]

I don’t have my plans to hand at the moment, but I think there was an amendment. The taper may be to 1/2” now instead of 1/4”.

[Kamcoman77]

My XL plans (H-51) still say 1/4" at the end, but I just couldn't cut my spar caps that thin. I tapered mine to 1/2" tall starting at 34" from the tip.