Skin Dimple and Countersink Parts

Hours of sanding, Dimpling and countersinking. All parts are now ready for priming. 

Also have countersunk the rudder counterweight. 

Rudder Skins Test Fit

Test fitting the rudder skins today. Really all components are complete and are clecoed together. Now to disassemble, deburr, dimple prime and then rivet together.

Rudder Frame

OK all, now that I have rudder skins all ready to go, I need a rudder frame to put them on. So that is my task for tonight.

Shape the control horns 

Assemble the Frame

Test fit the Skins

Make the Horn Brace Box

Rudder Skins

Today I am working on the Rudder Skins. The Skins will use Stiffeners to allow them to keep their shape when being forced into the wind. The Stiffeners must be cut out from angle aluminium and formed to the correct shape. Used Metal Shears to cut out the rough shape and finished up on the Scotch Brite wheel.

Next Dimple the Stiffener and Skins

Then Prime and Back Rivet. To get the height correct I used a piece of card board around the Back Rivet plate.

Then use Scotch Tape to keep the rivets in place

Tail Stabilizer Section Complete

OK, I am now at a point where you might be able to tell what it is I am building. Finished the Vertical Stabilizer Today. Putting together you can see the tail section come to life.

Man its hot here. Never seems to be below 90 even at night. I tried to work outside the house today. Mowed the lawn and began working on replacing some of the screen on the back of the house. I couldn't take it after about 1 hour outside. I guess that is my limit. Had to stand in a cold shower to recover.

So with an abundance of extra time today, I am working on the project. How am I staying cool??? I have a box fan blowing directly on me and don't laugh - I am standing in a bucket of water. Actually works pretty well. I keep dumping ice in the bucket every so often.

OK so on to the reason you are hear. Major progress tonight. Actually finished up the Horizontal Stabilizer. Finished - Done and Complete.

Here are some pics of the work tonight. Just checked the log. I am sitting right at 92 hours of work into the project. Next up, vertical stabilizer.

Progress is Slow

Well, everyone said it would happen. Life gets in the way and completely derails progress. Debbie and I are in the process of buying a new home. This one has a pool and some more bedrooms. This means I have to spend all my time getting the current house sale or rent ready. Then we will be moving. I will also have to build a new shop at the new location. Definitely an air conditioner this time around.

Anyway, here are a few pics to show what I have been able to get done. With Debbie's help, I was able to get the skins on. She likes to run the rivet gun.