Shawn Li's RV-7 Construction Log

08-17-2012: 1.5 hrs

Worked on the left fwd stiffener F719, but I still didn't do a perfect job. When I drilled the fwd most hole, I slipped stiffener and I didn't realize it. When done drilling I found the hole is too off position. I should have clamped the stiffener or some sort of tape to hold it in place instead of holding it by hand. But I thought and felt it would be ok to hole by hand. But... Anyway, I moved the stiffener to right position, but now I have two holes that are too close (< 3d). I have the right stiffener in order, now I messed up the left one.

After a little bit scratching my head on what I should do and cursing, I decided I will use a doubler that is 0.063" thick, and long enough to cover 4 rivets, on both left and right stiffeners. With that in mind, I proceeded on drilling the F719B clips on both sides. That went well. However, when drilling the stiffeners using the two holes on the clip as a guide, the holes on stiffener flange are a little two close to the stiffener web, not as what I would expected which is at the mid width of the flange. It looks like I should have enough space to set the rivet, and there is no short edge margin issue, so this should be fine.

Next, on what I should use as the doubler. I can't find a 0.063" thick aluminum sheet. But I do find a wasted Z bracket for fuel tank. I cut off the flanges, and cut the web to half. I got two perfect doublers.

I don't why I made such stupid mistakes in the past two nights, even they don't have bad consquency, but I still feel bad about myself of doing that. Anyway, I will need be a little more patient about what I am doing.

<<Previous |  Home | Next>>