Eagler's Nest

Airframes => Single Seaters => XL => Topic started by: John Harmon on February 13, 2014, 08:56:03 AM

Title: Slow going??
Post by: John Harmon on February 13, 2014, 08:56:03 AM

I do not know why but I am having a slow time fitting in the tubes from top longeron to bottom. I was having a terrible time trying to fit the pieces individually so I construct the vee flat, tack weld it and then fit it in place. I'm really happy that I only have one more of these fiddly things to fit.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2jiKBVvUQjY/Uvzy9iWi3lI/AAAAAAAAAnU/dQOoLWQ6qbs/w958-h539-no/20140213_092921.jpg)

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: Jlwright on February 13, 2014, 09:35:50 AM

I am right there with you. I wish I had more experience but a friend that built a Pitts is coming over to give me some pointers. that should help a lot.
I feel your pain!

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: John Harmon on February 13, 2014, 10:25:50 AM

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one.

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: rockiedog2 on February 13, 2014, 10:28:34 AM

are you guys using a 1/2" grinding wheel with the edges radiused to make your fishmouths? it goes pretty quick and easy with that

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: Sam Buchanan on February 13, 2014, 10:38:49 AM

I used aviation snips to get the rough fit (use eye protection!) then finished it with the bench grinder.

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: Jlwright on February 13, 2014, 10:49:08 AM

I am going to get a 1/2 inch wide wheel today and dress it into a radius. I saw that on a video and should help.

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: John Harmon on February 13, 2014, 11:54:23 AM

I have a flap disc that it's for cleaning up fillet welds. Just happens to have a 5/8"radius on it.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-4-1-2-in-40-Grit-Ultra-Coarse-Steel-Demon-Corner-Edge-Flap-Disc-DCC045040N01F/202830906/

Here's a picture of my coping station.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rc7JOza-Ht4/Uu-Y4gPBEDI/AAAAAAAAAms/WtKCrxmLkR8/w335-h595-no/20140201_105610.jpg)

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: Tom H on February 14, 2014, 07:22:56 AM

John, your angle grinder with flap disk mounted to table reminded of another method I used.  Put a slightly worn (rounded, worn circumference edges) grinding disk on it.  You can do real fine fit-up grinds on tube ends with it.

I do most tube ends with radius-ed bench grinding wheel, then fine tune, if necessary, with the mounted angle grinder w/ grinding disk.

I've seen guys doing the shaping with aviation snips and rat-tail files, but those methods don't work for me.

Tom H

Title: Re: Slow going??
Post by: weasel on February 16, 2014, 04:10:24 PM

Quote from: John Harmon on February 13, 2014, 11:54:23 AM

I have a flap disc that it's for cleaning up fillet welds. Just happens to have a 5/8"radius on it.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-4-1-2-in-40-Grit-Ultra-Coarse-Steel-Demon-Corner-Edge-Flap-Disc-DCC045040N01F/202830906/

Here's a picture of my coping station.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rc7JOza-Ht4/Uu-Y4gPBEDI/AAAAAAAAAms/WtKCrxmLkR8/w335-h595-no/20140201_105610.jpg)

Consider moving the angle grinder to the other side and flipping it over so that it doesnt through sand in your face.  

Nice set up!