back on track

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:34 pm

took a step back from my build for a day or so last week. I was messing up parts left and right.

Since then I've gone three nights with decent progress each night.

Things are clicking again.

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:46 pm

PK, I have heard this refered to as the 'groove effect'. Sometimes ya just aint in it. Although I can say that all of the mistakes I have made (or at least most of them) have resulted from me either getting in too much of a hurry, or not pay enough attention

Build on!!!!!!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:15 pm

I didn't know you WEREN'T on track!!!

You have been one of the most consistent people here, PK!

Keep it up! We need your plane for all those thips to ACK so we can do the drinking and you can do the flying!!!

CJ

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:18 am

I had a couple of weeks there where it seemed like I was spinning my wheels.

Here's what I've got for this week so far:

aparchment · Post by **aparchment** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:24 am

You are certainly not lacking in courage Keith. There is no way I would build from plans. I don't have the time or patience any more.

Antony

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:39 am

Not sure if I'd call it courage. but thanks.

It was more of a financial decision than not wanting to build a kit. I like to tinker, so it works out well in the end.

The enormity of the project has been playing a part in my mindset too. Kind of a "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" thought pattern. I've got to stay focused on the part in front of me, not the plane as a whole.

Right now, I'm starting to stress a bit over bending the wing spars and buying the tools I need to assemble it. I've got access to a break, I have the material. All I need to do now is to actually bend them up.

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:23 pm

My hat is off to you PK. I'd like to see a pic of the rib form block in action. Bumping AL is big fun

When you hit the spars with the break don't forget the bend allowance

What's the radius BTW?

Also, even with the 'snap together' kit it is still hard for me to just fucus on a specific sub assembly or part and not be overwelmed

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:06 pm

I'd like to see a pic of the rib form block in action

ask and yee shall receive

Rib forming video

I'm using a 1/8 bend radius on the formblock. There is some springback, but then I hammer it off of the formblock to achieve the desired 90 degree bend.

I'll have to check my blueprints, but I think that the radius for the spar is the same.

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 6:54 am

Very cool! Thanks for the video. I'm finding it hard to complain about deburring all of my pre-formed ribs now

Post by **Spike** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:42 am

Great Video!! And, I got to listen to part of the awesome race from Dover!! Good man!

dons · Post by **dons** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:50 pm

Neat video! It is so interesting seeing the jigs and how you do things, keep them coming.

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:18 am

Here's another video I made last night. it's large ~5 meg
It shows how I use the router to cut my ribs and get identical results rib after rib.

A Different Router Method

dons · Post by **dons** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:57 am

Neat! That sure is a LOT better than marking each with a template, using metal snips, and than a file. How many of the same thing do you have to make before you would consider making a jig ? I personally like jigs when I have to make more than one of anything

. Great insite, thanks.

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:06 am

Even one rib would be a candidate for making a routing block. So far the back ribs were the smallest lot I've made, numbering just 4. I find that it's easier to work the wood to where I want it. Then I can just blast out a rib.

If someday I have to go back to remake and of these pieces I'll have the block there waiting for me. The relearning curve will be non-existant. The new rib will have no choice but to be the same as it's predicessor.

dons · Post by **dons** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:32 pm

Ah, good plan. I like jigs and templates so much because when (not if) I make a mistake it is so much easier to make another one just the same, without the mistake of course. Glad to see things moving forward.