Flaring tool operation....
 

Just did my first flares today. The first one I did turned out to be a bit too wide despite using the depth stop as a guide. I also noted I could really crank down on the cone making it expand further than desired. This technique proved to make a flare which was too wide for the AN-6 fitting.

The second attempt I puposely inserted the tubing just shy of the depth stop and made certain not to crank down the cone to excess. This made a very nice fare that I assume is usable/acceptable.

My question is, how do you make consistent flares? Is this just a feel/sight type of thing? If you get it wrong does this introduce leaks?

lubricate and feel...
 

Make sure to use a small amount of lubricant on the mandrel... do a couple of scrap pieces and you will notice a consistent increase in resistance when making the flare... for me, this is just about the perfect stoping point.

Dont forget to remove all cutting marks from the end of the tube before flaring.

Scotch brite wheel works well to polish out marks.

And ditto on the lube.

Yes.
A little craftsmanship is required but clearly you already figured that out. You are a builder.

Hey T,

I second what Stephen said - use some lubricant, and stop the moment you feel the resistance change (increase).

As for the depth stop, I'm using the Parker tool and mine seems to be accurate.

Tony---
you can do it!

And once you "do it" guess what?

You ain't done!

Just wait until you have to flare a tube for the fuel system and then have to bend it to fit in the fuselage :eek:

Here's my "builder tip" - BUY A LOT OF TUBING! :D

Good vs Bad

flare tool
 

What flare tool is a good one? I need to buy one.

Tom, I'm using the Parker tool as well. Let me try a few more flares. Maybe I just over-torqued the horn the first time.

I'm no expert yet but it IS fun flaring the tubing. :D