Sunday, November 28, 2010

Chapter 19 - Wings - Part 10

Early this month I continued work on the left wing. I did things a little different this time. I made a 2x4 frame that I then layed on the floor and leveled with shims. This was much easier than bonding each individual jig to the floor.

After making sure the 2x4 frame was a level as possible, I then attached the jigs to the frame with small angle irons and screwed in diagonal bracing.

When everything was ready to go it was time for the shear web. Local aircraft builder Marc Oppelt stopped by and helped me layup the shear web and install the forward wing cores. Having another hand did help make the job quicker, however the process was still long. Some builders have recomended laying up all plies for the shearweb on a flat surface on plastic and then transfering the whole mess to the cores. I just couldn't picture how this would work, with making sure the web was trimmed correctly. However after further though I think I understand now how this could be done and save time. Also another change. Marc brought by some resperators that he had handy. In the past I had sort of gotten used to the odor, however with the risk of becoming sensitive to the expoxy, it is good practice to limit exposure to the fumes. The masks worked great at filtering out the fumes, but were a little uncomfortable. I will wear a mask now for all large layups. 

My girlfriend Serena helped me move the wing from the floor to the workbench on friday and today I layed up the bottom spar cap.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Stick Grip.

I just recently purchased a B-8 style stick grip through e-bay for not a lot of money. These things usually go for up to $300 used. Because mine was damaged and missing a button I picked it up for $70.

It was pretty rough when I got it. The trigger was cracked and falling appart, the hand rest on the right hand side was mostly missing, one button was missing and another I found out was a normaly closed/push to open.

A little mending and a couple of new switches and it is almost like new. The internal trigger switch also disintegrated, so I have ordered a limit switch that I will retrofit into the handle.