![]() |
I don't get the 'brute force' description. At best I had to use what I would call a heavy but confident tap. I've heard people describing the actual destruction of bench vices. Wow. Mechanical empathy is all it takes. Obviously a cat can be skinned many ways. I almost laid down the money for a set of dies that would be used once.
Glad I didn't. Enabled me to spend that cash on fuel line tools I'd only use once:D anyway, it's only my opinion. Do what you feel comfortable with. Cheers, DaveH;) |
I used the dies, it took me about 15 minutes to make them perfect! I thought I could see problems doing it by beating them into submission so never even tried to do it that way;
|
People mentioning having to beat the *&#@~ out of them, or beat them in to submission never fully understood the desired process (not necessarily their fault.... not everyone will get the same understanding after reading text instructions).
As already mentioned, the hammering part of this process does not entail the use of brute force. It is just a firm wrap to induce the bend to take a set after a bending force has been applied by hand. Most people that give it a try find that it was a lot simpler than it seemed.... |
DaveH and Scott,
I admire the skill and fortitude of those of you who found this task possible with a "heavy but confident tap" or a "firm wrap". I am guessing you both probably had some previous experience with metal work. When I did this task back in the day I did not have that background, and it proved very difficult. That is why I can empathsize with novice builders who are inexperienced in shop techniques who come up againsnt this job for the first time. I think it important to remember that the RV-12 kit was designed for the novice ot first-time builder. Pre-drilled perfectly fitting parts and pop rivets etc. IMHO the longeron bending is a significant challenge to that first time builder. Sometimes what seems simple and easy to someone experienced can be very hard for the inexperienced. If there is a way to ease the frustration and end up with a better fitting part by using some kind of tool, jig, die or whatever you want to call it then I think that should be encouraged. Scott, you are correct about some people not being able to get a full understanding of the process by reading the text. Certainly that was true in my case back in 2009 or 10. If I had someone to show me the ropes, or at least a video it might have been a whole lot easier. That is why I often suggest that for a task such as this the builder try to find a mentor. Everyone that decides to attempt to build (some would say "assemble" in the case of an RV-12) an airplane comes to the project with a unique set of background skills and experience. For those on the lower end of that scale I would recommend using whatever tools make the job easier. |
There's another option, a good quality shrinker, like the Erco with the proper shrinking dies
[Couldn't link from my computer (I'm a rookie) so I linked to Fay Butler's website] |
First time builder here with no metal work background. I'm a quick hands on learner though. Bent my -10 logerons on the vise. The longerons did need some convincing though. I started with soft hits with a rubber mallot and progressed harder until I saw a change. Then repeated the same "firm" hit till it followed the contour of the side skins. I think the key was the preload. Took about one hour to do both which included frequent checks with the skins.
|
Every time I hear someone describe building the -12 as a simple assembly process I think back to the longeron.
Quote:
|
Vans must have taken heed of the on going feedback from builders with the -14 longerons being pre- bent.
The only requirement is for a slight twist to be made which was simple. I don't feel like a builder with the -14 more like an assembler. I've only had to reorder one small part so far. I'm glad I didn't waste money on the fast build option. Great kit! |
Van's directions...a good heavy duty vice..some 3/4" pipe for spreading angles. Proved to be really simple.
But I have to admit, I spent much time concerned over them before getting started...hey, if you goof...new angle is cheap!!! Go for it...you really don't need the fancy stuff😎 |
used the dies
I used a fairly large mechanical press to open up the angle, then I used the Buller longeron dies and ended up in two nicely bent longerons at the same day.
I am glad to have gone that route. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:24 AM. |