Should Aileron Leading Edge rolled with edge forming tool?

Mike Balzer · Post by **Mike Balzer** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:00 pm

Are most people rolling leading edge on ailerons? I have seen it done on the wing skings but I dont know if it would be a good idea for the ailerons.

Thanks,

Mike Balzer

Post by **Spike** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:27 am

I did not on my 9. Though the aileron skins are different dependant on model.

dons · Post by **dons** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:10 am

I did it ever so slightly on my 7A aileron leading edges, both top and bottom.

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:37 pm

very few edges actually need rolling. but it doesnt hurt. i didnt do mine and they layed perfectly flat as did all of the other skins. i did roll the tail feathers however.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 2:16 pm

I didn't roll mine...the only edges I did roll were the turtle deck skin, and the top wing skins, mid-span.

I doubt I would've seen any difference tho...

Mike Balzer · Post by **Mike Balzer** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:18 pm

Thank you for all that replied, My Cleaveland edge former just showed up today and I will practice on scrap and be very conservative with the tool.

Thanks,

Mike Balzer

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:22 am

the cleveland tool looks fool proof but it is not. it likes to walk off of the material really screwing things up. so make sure you apply pressure to keep the flanged bearing in contact with the edge. good luck.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:05 am

Willie, TRUE!

Also, if it does walk off the material and you overwork it in an effort to make it more crisp it only gets worse. I started to do that and just cut my losses and accepted a less than crisp edge.

If you overwork the aluminum, it will elongate that portion that you are working.

Hope this helps!

CJ

Mike Balzer · Post by **Mike Balzer** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:40 pm

Thanks for the caution and warning. I will make sure I get good results on scrap before attempting on my parts.

Thank you

Mike Balzer

BSwayze · Post by **BSwayze** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:27 pm

Mike,
I rolled the edges on mine, and I'm glad I did. I used the Cleveland edge rolling tool, and William is right... you have to be careful to keep the flange of the roller pushed against the edge of the metal so it won't wander off the edge. But the results are very nice. My seam is as tight as can be and it looks great. I especially recommend using it on the rolled leading edges of the control surfaces, too, like the rudder, elevators, etc.