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  #1  
Old 09-14-2013, 06:14 PM
RoselBoysRV RoselBoysRV is offline
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 12
Default Trailing Edge on Rudder

I built the brake that Vans recommends and bent the trailing edge of the rudder. I'm unable to bend any further because the brake is closed to the point where the stiffeners are touching the other side. It appears I got a decent radius, but the skin is still approx 1" above the spar without clecos installed. I'm not sure how to bend the edge any further given the stiffeners are touching the other side. Any comments or suggestions on the current bend and how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. We are first time builders and don't want to plow forward if something is obviously wrong.

Thanks!







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  #2  
Old 09-14-2013, 06:32 PM
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rbibb rbibb is offline
 
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Location: Freericksburg, VA
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It looks like it needs to be bent a bit more to me. What I did was take two one by four boards and used some large Clamps to clamp them on each side of skin. Carefully tighten and position so that you are compressing only the portion near the trailing edge and are not getting the stiffeners to contact the opposite skin. Take your time and you will end up with a good result. It you get slight variations due to the fact the board bow or something you can make local adjustments using a hand seamer. Again go slow, take you time and you will end up with a good result. Same for the elevators....

Richard Bibb
RV-4 N144KT
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  #3  
Old 09-14-2013, 06:32 PM
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rbibb rbibb is offline
 
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In previous reply I should have made clear that I used C clamps....
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  #4  
Old 09-14-2013, 06:45 PM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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Location: Boulder, CO
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Had that problem on my RV-3B and solved it by tapering the stiffeners more than the plans said.

Also, I noticed that you hadn't yet cleaned up the as-sheared edge of the rib flanges. Worth doing, I think, to avoid cracks later.

Dave
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  #5  
Old 09-14-2013, 07:27 PM
xblueh2o xblueh2o is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SF East Bay
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RoselBoysRV View Post
I built the brake that Vans recommends and bent the trailing edge of the rudder. I'm unable to bend any further because the brake is closed to the point where the stiffeners are touching the other side. It appears I got a decent radius, but the skin is still approx 1" above the spar without clecos installed. I'm not sure how to bend the edge any further given the stiffeners are touching the other side. Any comments or suggestions on the current bend and how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. We are first time builders and don't want to plow forward if something is obviously wrong.

Thanks!
I took the advice of others and changed the setup of my brake. Rather than apply pressure from the 6" portion of a 2X6 I used the 2" portion. You mention that your skin lays about 1" above the spar. I had exactly the same thing but a straight edge showed me I still had more bending to do. When I was done the skin would lay nearly closed on the spar without clecos in the top. I have pictures here. Posts 12 and 13 are the rudder.
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RV-8 with the Showplanes Fastback conversion
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Last edited by xblueh2o : 09-14-2013 at 07:29 PM. Reason: clarification
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  #6  
Old 09-14-2013, 08:32 PM
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N130WN N130WN is offline
 
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Location: 8A7 (NC)
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A couple of gentle passes with the seaming pliers worked great for me.
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  #7  
Old 09-15-2013, 12:41 AM
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longranger longranger is offline
 
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Location: 45G, Brighton, MI
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I borrowed the brake pictured below from a local RV-7 builder who happens to be a retired carpenter. This orientation is stiffer than using the boards flat, making a more consistent bend across the length, as well as providing a place to use clamps as handles for more leverage.

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Miles (VAF# 1238, Paid up as of 2018)
RV-7 TU 904KM (reserved)
Wings Fitted and Finish Kit on site

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1955 Cessna 170B flying since 1982

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' -Unk.
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  #8  
Old 09-15-2013, 12:41 PM
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Bob Ellis Bob Ellis is offline
 
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Location: Pembrokeshire, UK
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Hi Eric and George

I go along with the beefier brake - check out my log entry - all worked out nice and straight and aircraft flew wings level hands off, not just control trailing edge I know but every little bit helps
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  #9  
Old 09-15-2013, 04:50 PM
RoselBoysRV RoselBoysRV is offline
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 12
Default Thanks!

I appreciate all the help! You guys solved my problem. I reversed the brake and applied pressure with the 2" side of the boards. Below are the results.

Before......



After......





Brake.....

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Highlands Ranch, CO

Father/Son RV8 duo

http://www.mykitlog.com/roselboysrv
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  #10  
Old 09-15-2013, 11:47 PM
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longranger longranger is offline
 
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Eric and George,

Glad it worked out for you!
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Miles (VAF# 1238, Paid up as of 2018)
RV-7 TU 904KM (reserved)
Wings Fitted and Finish Kit on site

Construction Log
Picasa: Empennage Album, Wings Album, Fuselage Album

1955 Cessna 170B flying since 1982

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' -Unk.
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