Additional Fixtures

Today I did more work on getting everything built out so that later on down the road things will go faster. I built my "press brake" for bending the Elevator skins, and as well built out my priming table. Still not 100% sure how I will prime, but I am getting closer to figuring it out and do know that I will use a table such as the one in this pic. Also, I am building a table for the DRDT-2 Dimpler, but using my own design and hoping for the best. If it works, I will do another write up on it in a separate post, if not, you will probably never hear about it again. ;-)

Finally, the rest of my tools

Today, over 6 weeks from the initial order, I finally got my "swivel flush rivet set" from Avery. Not happy with them, but it did finally come, so I could finish my practice projects. Liking the way the flush rivet set works, much easier than the standard round head rivet set. I still have more work to do, but am getting along pretty well with it.

Horizontal Stabilizer; Front Spar

I only got about 1/2 hour in the shop today. Enough time to decide that I need to buy a bandsaw. I used the vixen file to shape one of 8 sides for the fuse attach points of the Horizontal Stabilizer. Definitely need a bandsaw to make this go faster. If I am going to get one need it now, vs. waiting then deciding later after much manual work has gone by. ;-)

Also, drilled out the initial holes in the Front Spar and will be working on the trimming and bending of it next chance I get. You don't match drill the holes in the ears that bend later. They wait to get drilled once the bend is in place. Also, of the holes I did drill, some of them get enlarged and don't get rivets installed yet, but will wait until attached to the fuselage.

Horizontal Stabilizer; Rear Spar

Today I started some of the work on the Rear Spar of the Horizontal Stabilizer. Just starting to get my feet wet, but did squeeze my first few rivets outside of Practice Projects. I am trying to figure out how to label my parts so that as I clean them and prime them I can make sure every hole is in the same spot as it goes back together. I am sure I will figure that one out, but the more parts the more difficult that step will be. If you don't get everything back on the correct side, and correct side up, then all the match drilling will be for nothing. Gotta make sure those holes are exact.



Also, Some concern over scratches in the ribs and spars as they came from Van's I am sure the scratches will buff out and won't be noticable with the primer, but still.. I don't want any scratches on my metal.. The skins look good and of course that is the most important pieces..

Inventory

Today Bekah and I inventoried the Empanage pieces. It went fairly quickly, but then I had to go back and get all the rivets out of the bags and put them in the right drawers. Every other builder says the better organized you are the faster things are in the long run.

I found a good use for the carboard that the skins came in. Don't know how long this will last, but it does give the plans some support and makes them movable.

Oh, and was Bekah's Birthday ! !

Empannage Arrives.

Today the FedEx driver called me at work and asked me if I could be home by 4 because she was sure I wanted my High Dollar Aircraft Parts.. She was right, and good for FedEx in this case.. I can't believe she called. Anyway, the parts arrived and have now made their way into the shop. Next step is the big inventory of all the parts.. Maybe Bekah and I can get to that toinght. We still need to finish the second practice project though..

Also, I don't have all the tools yet from Avery.. The flush rivet set and tungsten bucking bar haven't come.. Can't do much without those.

Empannage Ordered ! . Builder #73541

Today I decided to go for it and order the empannage from Van's. I chose manual elevator trim at this time because Van's indicated that I could exchange parts at a later date for the same price. I am pretty sure I will go with electric trim eventually, but there are some questions I need to figure out first. I want to make sure I have the ability to slow the servo motor down so I can make smooth adjustments in the trim. Doing this will require additional electronic components that I am unaware of at this time. Also, electric trim will require a stick with the ability to adjust, and a trim indicator either on the EFIS or Panel.. I also ordered some Alumiprep and Alodine from Aircraft Spruce so that when my next practice kit comes I can practice with metal protection as well..