Elevator work, counterbalance weights and Priming - 11 hours

I managed another big day. I set out working on the elevator spars and counterbalance ribs. First I match drilled the spar/double/reinf. plates on each elevator rib. Then I worked on the counterbalance ribs and skin. Everything went exactly according to plans and instructions.

 When it came to the counterbalance weights, The instructions call for you to use the holes in the counterbalance skin as a guide to drill the holes into the weights. As this is fairly thick material, I figured that it would be best to drill a pilot hole in the weights before I match drilled them in the assembly. I was happy with the result. The #12 holes leading into the counterbalance ribs were centered with good edge distance, bit close to the inside but acceptable. I will watch to ensure the nut does not put pressure on the inner radius of the flange.

I then when to work on shaping the lead counter balance. I marked out the one weight to cut and used my sawzall to take the majority of the excess material off.  I then used a wide selection of files to bring it to its final shape.

I've done all that I can...now I have to prime. Yuck!!

So I then set up the garage and primed a few more parts!