Control surface stiffeners

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:55 pm

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

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 2:01 am

Nope. That's exactly the way I did it. But hey, at least we have bragging rights. Sort of.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:10 am

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

nightflyer · Post by **nightflyer** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:44 am

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.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 10:37 am

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

Post by **Spike** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:01 am

Your Mileage May Vary.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:02 am

GOT IT!

Thanks!

CJ