Over the past few days I was able to put the time in to get the skin of the vertical stabilizer prepared to go onto the skeleton structure. Last night I was successful in getting it properly fit and clecoed into place. See photos. Next steps are to replace the clecos with rivets! From the words of my son, “it’s startin’ to look like an airplane!”
I finally got enough tools to complete steps and make some progress. In a two hour period tonight, I was able to completely rivet together the vertical stabilizer skeleton assembly. Complete with flush rivets and primer. See photo below. I’m still awaiting some dimple sets in order to get the VS skin prepped. I don’t know if I’ll have what I need in order to work on the plane this weekend. I may have to work ahead. One step at a time.
I’ve made some progress, but rather slow. I’ve been studying the forums for tips and tricks on tools, primers, rivets, etc… I’m learning as I go.
This weekend was full of family stuff, which is awesome, but it cut into my project. I did manage to squeeze in a good Sunday on the plane, including the completion of the two hinge brackets on the vertical stabilizer, and my initial handling of the “ribs.” I had to borrow a hand-squeezer and some fluting pliers from the other RV builder in town, and had to get my own on order.
Photos below include:
The Upper Spar caps (left and right) pop-riveted to the Spar. Front view and back view.
I’ve had a slow start on my RV-12 project. Although I’ve had my kit for a couple weeks, I have not really gotten started. I’ve been studying the aircraft handbook, and getting my workshop and tools in order. I mounted a shop light over my workbench, and inventoried all the drill bits, die sets and deburring tools that arrived earlier in the week. I’m in no hurry and plan to savour all the details of this build.
This week I dove into Section 6: Vertical Stabilizer. I’ve got all the components for the Hinge Brackets ready for paint, and started on the rear spar (VS-1203). I’ve got right side spar caps drilled and deburred, and I’ll be working on the left side this week. See photos below:
These are the hinge brackets/spacers. Ready for primer. I need to get a squeezer before I can finish.
Below is my workbench with rear spar, etc…
This final photo was taken by my wife while I was match drilling the rear spar web. Hey, what do you think of my curtains!
I spent half an hour with the other Fort Atkinson RV Builder on Friday and got some wonderful advice, tips and tricks. He even sold me some surplus clecos and put a Yard catalog in my hands as reference. It was nice to hear the words from an “experienced” builder, and to have it done right there in his shop next to his project is a plus.
On Saturday, I purchased some more tools for my hanger (garage). We had a full weekend with family things, so I did not get much building done. I did manage to get my new drill and grinder assembled and placed. I also got my 6″ vice-grip mounted onto my work bench. Finally, I placed an internet order for many of the smaller tools that I’ll need (drill bits, countersinks, die sets, etc…). I’m still in my “Preparation / Pre-build” phases.