Progress on the Wing

Progress is being made - slow but steady at this point.  I had to clear off the work table and unroll a 12' x 4' sheet of .020 6061-T6 to mark and cut the leading edge skin for the right wing.

Made the first cut.  28" from edge and the second cut 90" long in the sheet.  You can see it marked out in these pictures.  I used hand shears to do the cut.  They worked okay.  Have to take your time to keep a straight cut.  When cutting the .040 sheet for the wing spar webs I used a hand-held electric jig saw.  But with this thinner stock I figured the shears would do better.

It wasn't that bad cutting with these shears.  Next I have to bend the leading edge.  Mr. Thatcher recommends using a 2x4 and bending the skin to within 3/4" of the surface to get the proper radius.  I'll probably get some help with the bend.  Think it may be easier with two people.

I will update with the bending process when we get to it.

Thanks for checking in -

Greg.

Oh, BTW - It was a REALLY nice day Sunday.  So I went flying - Can you blame me??

Nose Ribs on right wing

Using a Dremel 90 degree attachment I was able to drill then rivet the nose ribs to the right wing spar today. With able assistance from my son we finished attaching the ribs.

Drilling the holes

Here is a view of the leading edge (nose) ribs attached to the right spar.  I know, it's on top of my car.  I did that for lighting.  And to show off the construction to my family.  It is very rewarding to start seeing a structure taking form.  Thanks to my oldest son Greg for his help and the use of his variable speed Dremel tool.  

Rib Drilling Update

I was able to get the Dremel 90 degree attachment and drill chuck.  Recommendations from the CX4 User Group gave me this option for drilling rib holes to vertical angles on the wing spar.  I tried to drill using my on speed Dremel tool that turns at about 30,000 RPM.  That is a little fast and hard to control the drill.  Hit the switch on the Dremel tool and it immediately whirls up to that high RPM leaving no room for error when starting to drill.  So, I have to either get a variable speed Dremel tool or borrow one.  Given the price of almost $80 for a variable speed Dremel it makes more sense to borrow one.  More delays...

Here is the 90 degree attachment from Dremel:

Dremel 90 Degree Attachment and drill chuck below.

Just contacted my Son.  He has a variable speed Dremel tool!  YES!  Maybe we can get drilling this weekend.  I will update then.

Thanks for checking n - 

Greg.