Well... I've mulled the issue of the horizontal stabilizer front spar over in my head all day. Even though I have confirmation all is ok from Van's. I just feel that I can still do better. That's really the point of this build...An education project. I'm not learning if I have the attitude of "good enough".
So I decided to re-order the front spar parts and try again. I will keep the original as reference...but I hope that I can at least make this one perfect.
I will use a bit of a jig and draw out all the layout lines. I will be sure to use the drill press where possible. The whole goal is to get it perfectly straight, and get all the holes flawless. At least I can then say that I tried my best...
The new parts come tomorrow. In a couple of days, I should be back to where I should be in my build.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Nothing to worry about. Build on
Talked to Vans Support about my concern over the holes not exactly lining up in HS-710/714. It was a bit of a newbie wake-up call. I explained to him my issue with my hand drilled holes not exactly lining up. In short his reply was very simple. "Basically your forming aluminum with a hammer...how exact do you need to be"
His point was this....The airplane is meant to be built in a garage by an amateur. Sometimes things are not to a machinists standard. It's ok. He did say that a times some parts could be up to 1/4" out of alignment....no problem, its still going to fly fine. Again he re-iterated the fact that as long as you cleco everything up using the pre-punched holes.....your good. He did of course warn of the need to maintain proper edge distances, and proper riveting....you can't overlook those.
From his re-assuring confidence....I guess I'm not the only new builder out there that's panicking he cannot achieve machine shop tolerances in his garage with hand tools!
Lessons Learned
Try to draw center lines and reference lines as best as you can.....but if things don't line up 100%....don't sweat it...Build on!
His point was this....The airplane is meant to be built in a garage by an amateur. Sometimes things are not to a machinists standard. It's ok. He did say that a times some parts could be up to 1/4" out of alignment....no problem, its still going to fly fine. Again he re-iterated the fact that as long as you cleco everything up using the pre-punched holes.....your good. He did of course warn of the need to maintain proper edge distances, and proper riveting....you can't overlook those.
From his re-assuring confidence....I guess I'm not the only new builder out there that's panicking he cannot achieve machine shop tolerances in his garage with hand tools!
Lessons Learned
Try to draw center lines and reference lines as best as you can.....but if things don't line up 100%....don't sweat it...Build on!
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