I just started my RV-12 wing kit about 3 days ago and I destroyed my first piece of aluminum! I was suppose to csk about 80 #30 holes to the size of a 1/4 " drilled hole (guide) which will be riveted to the leading edge of the wing and the wing skin is to be dimpled to fit the countersink. I have about 5-6 holes I countersunk way to much ...5/16 and some 5/16+ as a guide hole.
I think I didn't tighten the lock on the countersick bit and made the countersink too large in adjusting! The second piece I did came out very good. Guess I'll have to replace the first piece I ruined!
I now have to rivet 24-AN470AD4-4 rivets ... my first squeezed rivet ever. I have no extra rivets to practice on.
Check out this thread in the Tips section on how to drill out rivets.I got the squeezed rivets in ... looks good, but I put one too many in! Easy way to get out? Drill? Thanks Marty!
Does anyone know if it is necessary to use a lap joggle tool in building the wings or any part of the RV-12?
I bought one of those tools but anticipate there are a thousand ways to mess up the process!
I used it on scrap aluminum in a vice ... have improved greatly in my "joggle" but realize no way to put skin in a vice.
Necessary or not??
http://www.averytools.com/p-233-lap-joint-joggle-tool.aspx
Jerry,
I believe the "joggle" tool is for making a recessed edge around an inspection hole so that the cover plate sets flush with the skin.
The joggle tool might be confused with the "edge rolling" tool seen here:
http://www.averytools.com/pc-45-70-edge-rolling-tool.asp
Which is used to slightly bend one the edge of a lap joint to prevent it from curling up when riveted with upset/solid rivets? If IRC, Jim Cones said he rolled one edge on his skins and then decided that it wasn't really necessary and didn't roll any others.
Checking the wing plans for the -12, mine won't be here for another couple of months now, there is only one "inspection" cover on the wings for access to the stall warning vane switch. The cover looks to rest on top of the skins rather than set flush in a recess. I guess Vans decided the cover sticking out in the breeze was no worse than all the rivet heads and chose not stamp in a recess for the cover plate into the skins. I don't think I'd mess with trying to roll a recess for the cover plate as I'm sure it would be VERY easy to mess up and ruin the skin.
Guess we'll all have to wait to see about the rest of the kit.
Scott - #85...patiently waiting
This one access cover does have a recessed flange.
I thought that it would be good to post a photo of my wing parts before I start assembling them. I am focusing on the right wing since my garage would be rather busy with left and right wings both. Since the ribs are labeled R and L, I thought at first the R were for the right wing and L for the left wing...WRONG! The right wing uses some of the R and some of the L parts. So, I trimmed, debured, and fluted all the ribs just to make it a little easier. That means the photo shows all of the right wing parts plus the ribs from the left wing.
The next step will be the riveting of the ribs to the main spar. Then the rear spar and stub spar (short spar in front) will be riveted. The actual riveting goes so quick. I have to be careful I don't blink
I have more photos on my web site www.rv12info.com
Also I have a YouTube video that shows how I fluted my ribs. I wanted a method that is easy, consistant and predictable. To watch, click on the following web address:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jqNoVAQLo0M
Here is my photo of the "pile of parts"
where did you get the knife sharpener, and secondly, I'm not sure I understand the function of the third wheel, which you flatened withe the bench grinder.
I have cutting oil and never thought about using it.
Is there a #30 drill bit especially for stainless steel ... super sharp, maybe?
I'll try light trigger action next time too for slower RPM's.
Thanks
I've posted hundreds of additional wing kit build pictures on my blog ... GO TO August 15, 2008 ... Part II 6/26/2008 - 8/13/2008.
Link in signature below.
(Part I was posted on VAF previously.)
Not yet, Dave. I expect to get the official builder confirmation sometime next week (if Thanksgiving doesn't slow down the USPS too much.)
I'm planning on building the wings last. Ken Scott at Vans assures me that they will fit even if the fuselage is built first.
- TT
48 Hours and started skinning the wings.
PS: More pictures on my website build log...
Regards
Rudi
DaveWelch said:WOW! Fast progress Rudi!
I think I've spent nearly that amount of time just trimming, deburring and finishing parts. Very little assembled yet. Makes me wonder if i'm doing a lot of unneccessary work (even though I don't claim to be a speed demon) or maybe just making it harder than it should be. I've been trimming, deburring, using 3-M wheel, and ScotchBrite every edge on EVERY part.
What is your process for trimmning/smoothing the Wing Ribs, for example?
Thanks!
Dave.