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Jim,
Thanks for the comments - the tips tend to get a little messy with the gluing of so many small parts !
I have not varnished my ribs yet but I do try to keep them in a stable temperature environment. I know some people that partially varnish the ribs after completion but care must be taken not to varnish any of the gluing surfaces. Some go as far as building a long, flat "dipping pan" and just lay the rib into it but only after gluing areas have been masked. I got a great tip from an older EAA book that shows a small oil can filled with the varnish of your choice - a tube is then affixed to the oil can nozzle and the other end is attached to a paint brush so that the end terminates in the bristles. Just pump the handle on the oil can as you brush and you have a steady supply of varnish ! This is probably the method I will use once my wings are complete ( unless I find an even better method ).
As far as the varnish itself goes, one builder that I know of who has completed two Sand's triplanes has used T-88 glue thinned with Poly Stits reducer. From what I gather, this makes an outstanding varnish but I need to check on the mix ratios.
As of yet, no solid decision on the tires - I too am constantly looking for the most suitable tire. I have heard of people sanding down the tread on motorcycle tires. I would rather not go this route but I guess I will if I have to.
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