Sealing Day #1
The instructions say to attach and seal all the various fittings to rib 101 before sealing up the main tank, so I did that today. I mixed up a very small batch of sealant, enough to put into a syringe for dispensing. I used a digital scale accurate to...
Readying to Seal Fuel Tank
I am getting ready to start sealing up the fuel tank. There are a number of fittings that get attached to the skin and ribs, and all these fittings need to be sealed. For the fuel level sender, which is attached to rib 101 via an access cover, I...
Left Fuel tank started
I created a jig for assembling the fuel tank using the templates included with the plans. After transferring the profiles to a sheet of 1/2″ MDF, I cut the shape by hand with a rotozip-style tool, then filed and sanded as needed to smooth it out. Next I followed...
Finished up Lower Skins
I was able to get in a few good 5-hr sessions this weekend and finish up fitting and riveting up the lower skins. I had to ream quite a lot of holes to make everything line up ok. But the end result looks good. I had some nice weather...
Progressing with wing bottom skins
Continuing with fitting bottom skins, and elongating holes where needed to fit properly on the spar cap. I’m using a round file to remove most of the needed material, and then using a #20 reamer to clean up the hole and ensure it’s roundish. So far so good –...
Continuing with Wing Skins
Last week I emailed back and forth with TAF regarding the hole misalignment between the wing lower skins and the main spar caps. I got word back from Mike Blyth at TAF that the hole misalignment is ok, and that they see the same on their factory builds –...
Working skin fit issue
I’ve been trading emails back and forth with TAF regarding the fit of my bottom skins on the main spars. The spacing of the holes is off, so I can’t get the skin to fit without some kind of fix. The skin is not supposed to be under any...
Bracket for Garmin Regulator
Since I’m installing the pitot tube, I also had to find a home for the regulator. I decided to mount it to the back side of the main spar, near an inspection cover.. just in case it needs to be replaced. I designed the bracket in Fusion 360 (which...
3d Printed Wedge
I ordered the little close quarters wedge from Cleaveland Aircraft Tools last weekend, but I’m still waiting for it to arrive. Meanwhile, I thought I’d try making a temporary one out of plastic. Pretty quick work to design the part in Fusion 360 and then send it to my...
Wing skins test fit
Spent a good amount of time over Labor Day weekend making progress on the left wing. With all the ribs and spars cleco’d together, the next step is to test fit the top and bottom skins. I ran out of 5/32″ clecos, so the skins are held on mostly...