4/5/2007
Well, I didn't know Brit was going to have one more training session with the Wiler-dog before the big show this weekend, so I did get one more night in the shop this week. I started by drilling the F-770 side skins to the 704/705/706 bulkheads. Then I removed the left skin in order to make the conical bend at the aft end of the skin. This is the transition area from square to round. After a couple of quick checks of my reference sites, I jumped in and made the bend.
Here's how it's set up prior to the bend-
Here's the bend after plenty of pressure is applied to the skin-
There is a sharp 90 degree bend at the front of the bend, and the aft portion is this nice, smooth curve.
Getting the freakin' left skin cleco'd back in place WAS A MAJOR PAIN IN THE ASS. The first time was difficult...the second time REALLY SUCKED. Don't know why, and don't really care. It's back on, and it's straight. The thing is...it still has to come off one more time! Ugh!
You'll notice in the next few pics that there is a significant gap between the center section bottom skin, and the side skin where the bend meets it. This is just due to the fact that for some reason, I decided to dimple the bottom skin already, and the side skin is sandwiched between the dimpled skin and 623 rib. No big deal though. It'll come together tighter when the side skin is taken back off and dimpled after everything is drilled.
I repeated the above steps for the right side, and for some reason (Thank GOD!), this skin went right on with little issue.
So, that's it for a few days. We're off to the Golden Retriever Specialty show in St. Louis this weekend. Unfortunately, the Cardinals are in Houston this weekend...bummer. I don't have anything to do while Brit is at the show. Oh well...
2.5 hours