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wjbruner · Class G Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

I'm Preparing to construct the 2 x 8 brake used to bend the rudder trailing edge on my RV8. I've heard some builders will use a hand seamer in addition to this since the 2 x 8 brake will not quite bend the edge as much as needed. anybody have any ideas on the best method to accurately accomplish this bend?

Spike · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:42 am Post subject:

I have heard of people using a metallic rod on the inside of the bend to support the surface and aid in making a consistent radius.

John
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Dan A · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject:

I used a 1/8 steel rod in the trailing edge to get the radius correct. It works great.

Good luck!
Dan

jim_geo · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:15 pm Post subject:

I used a variety of different diameter wooden dowel. Cheap and does the job. I used a 3/16" steel rod to align the hinges.

bullojm1 · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

I used just the bending brake with no dowel or rod. My trailing edges turned out GREAT. Just be sure to push the trailing edge all the way against the hinges on the brake and you'll be fine.

You can use the trick of the hand seamers to smooth out any waviness in the trailing edge (if you get any). However, you want to put a metal rule on the top and bottom of the hand seamers or else you will hand some nasty results. Here is a pic of my hand seamers with some metal rules taped to it to show how it is supposed to be done:

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