Fixing a wing skin

mhilderbrand · Post by **mhilderbrand** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:42 pm

Hi all! I have an issue with my leading edge skins (Sonex a/c). Hoping you guys may be able to give me some direction.

After drilling and clecoing the skins on, I noticed the leading edge skins have small "raised" areas in-line with each forward rib. Indicating I should have trimmed or filed a little area on each rib so this would not have happened. Anyway... anyone have experience taking out small "bumps" in aluminum? The aluminum is 6061-T6 at .025" thick. I can post pics if that helps.

I know this is not RV related, but you guys are always ready to assist.

Michael H.
Derby, KS

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 2:05 pm

post some pics if you can

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 4:34 pm

Yeah, a pic would help...but it sounds like maybe a shim between the skin and rib would take care of it...

I am helping a friend of mine build his Sonex (S/n 584 I think)...we're just starting the main spar, so we're not quite as far as you yet, but this will be good info to pass along.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 4:37 pm

I'm thinking I'm not seeing what I thought in the first place...the raise areas are caused by the rib, not the skin, correct? If that's the case, it does sound like the ribs need some trimming...or they aren't quite fluted all the way???

mhilderbrand · Post by **mhilderbrand** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:39 am

Here are some pics.

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mhilderbrand · Post by **mhilderbrand** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:50 am

I'm thinking I'm not seeing what I thought in the first place...the raise areas are caused by the rib, not the skin, correct?

Correct. I should have filed or trimmed the leading edge of each forward rib. I will on the Right wing

I wish the pics would have came out better. Maybe you get the idea?

Chad, have fun on those spars... I am glad mine are over! Although building an RV, the Sonex spars are probably a walk-in-the-park!

Post by **Spike** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:55 am

I know what you are talking about. I got a few myself. I decided to leave them and not fret. Getting rid of them could be quite difficult. Just make sure you check the fluting of the ribs and the corners of the flanges better next time.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:47 am

mhilderbrand wrote:Correct. I should have filed or trimmed the leading edge of each forward rib. I will on the Right wing

I wish the pics would have came out better. Maybe you get the idea?

Chad, have fun on those spars... I am glad mine are over! Although building an RV, the Sonex spars are probably a walk-in-the-park!

Yeah, I have a couple as well...nothing I can do about them now. You could remove the dent, but be careful doing it. I'd file/flute/bend the nose rib in a way to take away the problem.

My buddy Jim is getting all the prep work done on the spars right now, and I'll go over to help him assemble soon. I'm actually looking forward to it!