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Control surface stiffeners
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:55 pm
by captain_john
I just finished making the left elevator skin stiffeners. Man, is THAT a pain in the A$$!
The older kits (mine!) have you cut the stiffeners from raw angle with NO punch marks for guides like the new ones! Not to mention the fact they are EXTREMELY time consuming!
I used the bandsaw to cut them and the belt sander to smooth the cut edge and make the radiused edges.
Did anyone find an easier way?
How did you do yours?
CJ
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 2:01 am
by svanarts
Nope. That's exactly the way I did it. But hey, at least we have bragging rights. Sort of.
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:10 am
by captain_john
It kills me... the snips twist and distort the angle. They also don't get a nice taper at the finishing edge.
I can't think of another way.
Well, nuttin' to it... but ta DO IT!
CJ
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:44 am
by nightflyer
I started cutting my stiffeners on the bandsaw, but it was taking a little longer than I thought it should. So, reasoning that I'd have to use the belt sander to do the final shaping (radiusing corners, etc.) I switched to the snips. Yes, they do cause a little distortion at the edge, but if you cut a little "proud" of your finished edge line, the sander quickly removes the distortion and gets you to the final shape. Things went much quicker and more smoothly.
YMMV.
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 10:37 am
by captain_john
nightflyer wrote:YMMV.
OK, I thought I heard all the acronyms and shorthands. What is this and what does it mean?
Ya got me on this one. I am sure it will be as face as the nose on my plane... uh... I mean...
CJ
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:01 am
by Spike
Your Mileage May Vary.
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:02 am
by captain_john
GOT IT!
Thanks!
CJ