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MIKE
HOWE'S RV7 CONSTRUCTION WINGS Back to directory Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 I started out listing the left wing, but I think that the construction is virtually the same on either one, I just changed the pages to read Construction Wings. If I find difference I will note them |
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February 8, 2002 I bought some Aluminum angle and built the supports to attach the wing to the jig. I drilled the holes so the bolts would fit on the outside of the metal posts and if you look at the picture I am hoping I can adjust it up or down as required.
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I bought some Aluminum angle and built the supports to attach the wing to the jig. |
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February 8, 2002 The left wing clecoed together on the table to try and figure out where all the parts go
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Starting on the left wing |
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February 8, 2002 To get the spar in position and attached to the jig, I attached the spar by using a flat piece and back drilling through it to mark the holes location, then clecoing one side to the spar and end rib and drilling thru the flat piece into the brace. It seems good and solid.
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Attaching the spar to the brace |
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February 8, 2002 I decided to put the spars on the table and cleco all the ribs on to start to familiarize myself with the plans. The first thing is you find that the callout for a rib number R or L has to do with which way the flange faces not not the left or right wing. After fitting all of them I discovered that apparently Van's did ship 3 wrong ribs. I guess I did not want to believe it at first as they have been so excellent in shipping all the right parts but I guess it is bound to happen occasionally on a project with this many parts. I will call them on Monday. See PDF enlargement for rib flange positioning
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Clecoed all the ribs to the spars. |
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February 8, 2002 The next little trick I learned was no matter how careful I looked at the plan I still got a few in the wrong place or orientation. On the trailing edge spar one of the flanges has a cut tab portion and the other side does not. So a quick look to see that the tabs are all on the same side tells you if one is out of place. Click here to see PDF enlargement
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Tab Location |
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February 8, 2002 I decided to start on preparation of the ribs a few at a time, so hopefully I can intermingle a few other things so it won't be such a huge job. I have ordered a couple of die grinders from Avery, but the ribs seem to have a fairly smooth finish from the factory and just lightly sanding the hole made them quite smooth, I don't think they need anything as heavy as a 3M wheel, but will see as I progress.
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February 8, 2002 I couple of other questions have been answered along the way such as the fluting. The book called for a full size pattern to mark the location, but I believe that was for the older kits where the ribs were not prepunched, since they are, it should be as simple as just going in between the prepunched holes.
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Fluting Ribs |
