VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-8/8A
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-14-2011, 06:52 AM
fred gassit fred gassit is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Perth western Australia
Posts: 26
Default Underdimpled skins, redimple or replace?

I recently changed the set of dimple dies I have been using and noticed an immediate improvement in skin smoothness.

I have never been really thrilled with my early work on the rudder and elevator skins. It is clear now that they were underdimpled. (with the dies themselves contributing)

https://picasaweb.google.com/1017305...64601437184530
(not the best image but the skin distortion is apparent)

I don't consider myself a pedant but I'm going to do these skins over.

I will drill one off and try redimpling it prior to ordering new skins.

Has anyone done this before? How were the results?

I am expecting that the fit will be sloppy after being riveted/drilled/redimpled and the skin to be quite stretched.

This was a real psychological setback initially but knowing the cause and solution helps a bit, I just hope I'm not going to end up building everything twice!

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-14-2011, 01:28 PM
terrye terrye is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 860
Default Build On

All of your skills, riveting, wiring, etc will improve throughout the project. I'm currently working on the fuselage, but when I look back on the vertical stabilizer, I know I could do better now. But what I did on the vertical stabilizer was the best work I could do at the time and structurally all the parts and all the rivets are acceptable, so I am going to leave well enough alone. A good paint job hides a multitude of cosmetic sins.

I would suggest that you build on. If by the end of the project, you can't stand the look of the rudder and elevator skins, build new ones. I think deriveting all of the rivet skins will ultimately compromise the structure beneath. And by the time you finish the project, you'll be able to build the rudder and elevator in a quarter of the time compared to the first time through.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-14-2011, 02:34 PM
apatti apatti is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 654
Default

Fred,
I am with Terry on this. I just started flying. sometimes I look at parts of the tail and sort of cringe. I know I could do a much better job now. If any of my cosmetically challenged subassemblies can't be covered up to my satisfaction with paint, I always have the option to fix it now. I can order the parts and build a new one or purchase a partially completed tail kit from someone who decided that building is not for them. The good part about my situation is that I can continue to fly while I do most of that. And, as Terry said, I can now do a much better job in a lot less time.

If you are going to rebuild, I would recommend buying new ribs and spars as well as skins and just doing a new one from scratch. I don't think it would cost much more (especially if you count the time it will take to drill out all of those rivets). Also, I would feel a little uncomfortable about the structural integrity after drilling out all of those holes. I have read somewhere that there is a limit as to how many ooops rivets can be used in a row. One or two here and there are OK. Just not too many in a row.

Anyway, good luck and enjoy!
__________________
Tony
RV8A
N97AP
Warner Robins, GA
Phase I complete
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-14-2011, 03:12 PM
RV7Ron's Avatar
RV7Ron RV7Ron is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 590
Default

I agree...build on. Its not a structural/safety issue and if its painted, it will more than likely not even be noticable to anyone but you. I also dont like the idea of drilling out all of those rivets. My experience is that most of the time the holes inadvertantly get enlarged, even when you're good at it--like you will be later in your project.
__________________
Ron Duren
Mechanical Engineer
"SportAir PhD"-RV Assembly/Composites/Electrical
Denver, CO (KBJC)
RV-7 'Tip Up'
Flying!! as of 3/16/14
IO-375/WW 200G-CS/SkyView/Dual P-mags
N531R "Wablosa" Wings of Red
http://www.ronsrv7project.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-14-2011, 03:48 PM
Larco's Avatar
Larco Larco is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: DVT Phoenix
Posts: 1,187
Default

A lot of our building includes self satisfaction with our work. Not knowing how far along you are it's hard to recommend something but if you are really unhappy with the dimples, try drilling out the rivets in one skin and see how you do. If the rivets are drilled out properly you should be able to re-dimple it. It will be a lot of work either way. Every time I have redone something that bugged me, I always felt better but it is a very personal decision. Just my opinion. :-) Larry
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-14-2011, 04:25 PM
Wayne Gillispie Wayne Gillispie is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,499
Default I would build on

Unless you are ordering all new parts. As many of us have learned the holes will get enlarged/oblonged which results in just as bad or worse of a job. In the end its your money, time and plane.
__________________
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-14-2011, 05:53 PM
fred gassit fred gassit is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Perth western Australia
Posts: 26
Default

Thanks guys, I will do as you suggest.

The parts all have the tick of approval from the TC. They just look so mangled compared to my more recent efforts.

I will wait until they are at least painted to see how they look then.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-15-2011, 08:27 PM
bird's Avatar
bird bird is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: lake charles, La.
Posts: 699
Default just my opinion

After building and working on airplanes for 30yrs or so, I personally don't like to see large amounts of drilling out rivets. To me this compromises the structure, holes will be compromised some. This happens even to best of competent people who do a lot of rivet removal. A lot of times removing and trying to fix a problem with dimples or rivet holes results in a worse looking situation. As far as structure, they are ok as they are in my opinion. Building airplanes is a continual learning and improving experience. The more one builds the better they get at it. These airplanes are very sound in structure, so appearance is what each individual tends to struggle with. I know I do. After you are flying, building a replacement would be a good solution and rewarding too. Happy building and flying.

bird
__________________
Bird
rv8 entire airframe at airport now, painting done, intersection and gear upper and lower fairings done, maybe order engine around first of year or before the next rate increase.
"to fly is a privilege that I am so thankful to God for"
http://www.mykitlog.com/tcb328/
Reply With Quote
Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:16 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.