January 2006 Wings
1/5/2006
My first entry for the wings! I picked up the posts that I had made for the wing stands. I decided to use steel over wood after seeing how clean and simple they are. Several other builders have done this, and I am following in their footsteps. They are not bolted to the floor yet, but I wanted to set them up to get an idea of what the shop will look like with 'em in place. I have to drill a couple of holes in the steel, and make the final measurements for placement and paint them, but it should be a pretty easy install (probably shouldn't have said that!).
I had a local welding shop fabricate these for me. They were a little more expensive than the wood it replaces, but not a whole lot. It looks like it will be tight in the photos, but there's gonna be about two and a half feet of work area around them, so I should be fine.
1/6/2006
I had an opportunity to get some time in the paint shop at work to prime and first coat the wing stands. I plan to get the second coat on in the morning and bring 'em home to install.
1/7/2006
Today was a big day in the shop, but no airplane building. I installed the first stage of my wing stands. Lots of pics...
...my dad and I doing the hammer drill squat...
...a nice detail of the base, and all four posts installed...
...then I started manufacturing some parts out of AL angle...
...I love how the silver looks with the yellow!
Now I just need a couple of spars to hang there!
1/28/2006
I'm still waiting for my shipment, but Van's did take the rest of my money this week, so the wings are at least paid for. They should be shipped towards the end of next week (Feb 2nd or 3rd) via ABF Freightways. That will be COD to the tune of at least $250. We'll see.
Today I went over to see my friend Jim and his Sonex project. I've been helping with his empennage for a while now, but never took any pictures. So today I did. We worked for about two hours, and like parts of the RV-7, we had little to show for it. The first two pics are of the HS that has been a work in progress for a while now. The Sonex is a great kit, but it is not match drilled. There is some pre-punching, but you still have to drill the holes in the rib flanges. The second two pics are of what we did today. The elevator horn is being riveted to the inboard ribs.
You can see the Sonex is built with blind rivets for skinning and most of the understructure. The wing spars are built with solid rivets.
The two rivets that are set hold an anchor nut in place as part of the trim cable system, I think...
Jim's website is linked on the links page if you're interested in checking out more of his project and flying adventures.
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This website is intended for entertainment purposes only. It is not for use for instructional purposes, and is in no way associated with Van's Aircraft. Please visit Van's website for further information on these wonderful airplanes.