October 29, 2004: (1 hrs.) Did some edge cleanup work on the rear VS spar stiffner. I used a file to take down all the edges then I used a small Scothbrite wheel on my die grinder to smooth the file marks out. I noticed that using my die grinder tends to keep my compressor running, which in turn really heats up the sound proofing cabinet. I think I am going to have to soon install a ventilation fan to keep the enclosure cooler. I finished up the evening hand dimpling all the spars and ribs. |
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October 31, 2004:
(2 hrs.) Finished up some edge deburring on the front and rear
VS spars. I picked up a wheel from Sears that is made out of that
red Scotchbrite hand pad material. I just chuck it up in my drill
press or die grinder and use it to finish smooth all the edges.
This really works well and is a great time saver. It is especially
useful for taking off of the Alcad coating on the spars prior to my prep
and Alodine process.
Next I prepped and primed all the skeletal parts. Priming went much better this time. Evidently I did not have the catalyst mixed well enough when I primed my horizontal stabilizer. This led to an inconstancy in the paint and its adhesion. This time painting was a piece of cake and the pieces came out perfect. I cleco'ed together the front and rear VS spars and preparation for riveting. |
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November 1, 2004: (2 hrs.) Riveted the ribs to the VS front spar |
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Here is the VS rear spar completely riveted. |
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Removed the plastic from the rivet lines on the VS skin. Tomorrow I will deburr and dimple the skin |
| November 5, 2004: (0.5 hrs.): Deburred and dimpled the VS skin. Hopefully tomorrow I will rivet the skin on. | |
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November 6, 2004:
(2 hrs.): I was not able to find an extra set of hands to help with
riveting so I proceeded to buck and rivet myself. There was
plenty of room to get one arm in the VS to hold the bucking bar while I
held the rivet gun in my other hand.
Here is a picture of the VS with the rear spar removed to provide access for riveting. You can see there is plenty of room to get an arm in there. |
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The is the VS with all the rivets completed in the forward spar and center rib. The rear spar has been cleco'd into place for riveting with the hand squeezer. |
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The completed VS hanging from the ceiling next to the HS. |