Edge rolling wing skins. Did you?

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 1:25 pm

Are you guys doing the edge rolling on the wing skins? It seems that once the edge gets bent, it would make it hard to dimple the holes. They look like they would be right where the bend is.

I already have my top inboard wing skin dimpled but before I dimple the rest of the skins, I'm wondering if most people do the edge rolling. The manual doesn't say.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 2:31 pm

Yes!

Do the edge rolling!

It is in a place that you see every day and it only takes a minute.

Do the roll first then do the dimples.

You will be pleased in the long run!

CJ

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:50 am

CJ, Did you also edge roll the aft edges of the leading edge skin? (the edge with all the rivets!)

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:45 pm

Noooo...

Only roll the seam on the 703 where it overlaps the 702!

CJ

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 4:20 pm

OH! Holy crap good thing I asked! I was going to roll two edges on the top outer skin! I thought I had to roll the over lap as you mentioned, but also the edge that gets riveted to the spar!

See, good thing I ask so many dumb questions!!

Post by **Spike** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:26 am

There is no dumb question, and CJ is on the money. It will be worth the time that it takes. Just go methodically, take your time, and remember, a little is much.

bruceh · Post by **bruceh** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:54 pm

I used the Cleaveland vise-grip edge roller tool on all of the places where the skin overlaps another skin. There are quite a few places on the plane where this is done (wings and fuselage). Just remember to edge roll before you dimple! The dimpling is just off line, so it looks nice and clean.

You can even see the slight edge roll I put on the skin that holds down the rear window on the tip up canopy. This gave me just a little bit more depth on the Sikaflex bonding.

Looks nice with no screw holes.

Thermos · Post by **Thermos** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 2:47 am

I edge-rolled very slightly the aft edges of my tanks and leading edges, and they snugged down very nicely when installed. But if I hadn't, it probably would have looked fine. I wouldn't stress about it.

You guys are tempting me with those pictures of canopies attached with Sikaflex!

Dave