November 2005 Fiberglass Tips
11/22/2005
I started the fiberglass tips tonight. Didn't do much, but I did measure the top tip/cap for trimming, and started measuring the bottom cap. The order from Boat US came today with the fiberglass stuff. I am using the West Systems epoxy that was recommended to me by several other builders. So, I guess I am really gonna do this nasty part of the project.
0.5 hours
11/24/2005
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
No work today.
11/25/2005
Well, I had the whole day off, but only worked for about an hour. I trimmed and sanded the rudder top tip with the Dremel. Fitted and sanded, fitted and sanded, etc...this is gonna be sorta tedious, I think.
The tips don't fit very well, as you can see from the pictures below.
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The gaps in front and sides are rather large. I am gonna do this a little different than most, and use screws to mount the tip. So, I went ahead and drilled the fiberglass and cleco'd it in place. The gaps close nicely, but I'll still use some filler to close 'em up nice and tight.
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1.0 hour
11/28/2005
Tonight I fabricated the .025 strips of AL to reinforce the inside of the tip for riveting. I've changed my mind on the screws. I really won't have any need to take this tip off, and I'm gonna fill and sand it for a nice smooth finish. My grandfather (Papa) was a repairman in Korea and worked with sheet metal on airplanes. He was over at the house on Sunday, and asked me why I was going with screws. He suggested that I really don't need screws, and he's right. Anyway, here's the strips.
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Then I cleco'd the tip back on and drilled the holes to #30 so I could dimple and countersink the holes.
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I ordered some T-88 glue from Aircraft Spruce today, and it might be here tomorrow. If it is, I get to work again tomorrow. If not, I guess I take a day off, again. I might start to rearrange my shop to prepare the space for wing construction...
1.0 hour
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