|
-
POSTING RULES

-
Donate yearly (please).
-
Advertise in here!
-
Today's Posts
|
Insert Pics
|

06-15-2015, 01:24 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Frankston, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 125
|
|
Vixen file help
Hi all,
I am not used to seeing Vixen files, and have the opportunity to buy one for my build. It is 12" long, and has 9TPI. Is this too coarse to use in building an RV?
Cheers,
Joe
__________________
Joe
Flying friends RV7A
Built RV7 empennage.
Building wings done - minus glass and lights.
Building Fuselage
|

06-15-2015, 04:46 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Peachtree City, Ga
Posts: 1,040
|
|
Vixen File
Great for fitting the fiberglass tips and shaping larger aluminum parts. I'd say yes.
__________________
Vern Darley
Awarded FAA "The Wright Brothers 'Master Pilot' Award"- for 50 years safe flying
RV-6A N680V / RV-10QB N353RV
Luscombe 8E N2423K 50+years
Hatz Biplane N2423Z soon to be birthed
Falcon RV Squadron Founder
KFFC Hanger D-30
Peachtree City, Ga
770 310-7169
EAA Technical Counselor #5142
EAA Flight Advisor #486336
ATP/CFI/A&P/DAR
|

06-15-2015, 06:54 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Posts: 63
|
|
A vixen file is one of the best files you could buy for your project. I use it almost anywhere I can fit it. It's great for taking down larger areas of fiberglass or aluminum but if you use the right pressure it is also great for polishing edges.
__________________
RV addict for life.
NOTE: The information, ideas, and opinions presented in this post are my own and not those of my employer. Build, test, and fly at your own risk.
|

06-15-2015, 07:45 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
|
|
9 tpi is too coarse for aluminum, though.
Dave
|

06-15-2015, 10:46 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 821
|
|
I have a couple of Vixen files that have different TPI on each side. I think 8 or 9 on one side and 12 on the other. When used on sheet metal edges they are run parallel to the edge, not across it so the courser tooth will work fine. You can use it sort of like a wood plane on the edge. It will make straight edges if used properly and removes material fast. I use it to file to a trim line while keeping the line straight.
As others mentioned, they are used for fiberglass also. If you use any file on fiberGLASS, the glass will dull the teeth and ruin them for use on metal. I have one for fiberglass and one for aluminum. They do not work well with harder materials like steel or stainless steel.
__________________
Dan Morris
Frederick, MD
PA28-140
Hph 304CZ
RV6 built and sold
N199EC RV6A flying
Learn the facts. "Democracy dies in darkness"
|

06-15-2015, 11:27 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prather, CA
Posts: 191
|
|
I've used one for years that an old hand at sheetmetal work passed on to me. It's a bit dull these days but I did use it a bit on a buddies RV-7 build. Used with care it will produce a near mirror finish all by itself. A brand new one leave a smooth surface as well, just not a smooth as my worn-in file.
They take a just little bit of practice to use well, but I wouldn't be without one for aluminum work.
|

06-17-2015, 07:28 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 427
|
|
Vixen File - Very Useful Tool
I agree with RVTrumpet, it's almost a requirement if you're picky about the edge finish of aluminum pieces (I am). Makes fairly quick work to remove the rough edges and achieve a nice straight smooth edge.
One thing I learned is to occasional flip the file so that I'm not using the same side/pitch all the time. That way if the file develops a mild "chatter" as you run it along an edge, the slightly finer (or coarser) pitch on the other side will remove the very shallow "waves" that can result from the chatters. You'll feel it when they develop. Just turn the file over and a couple of strokes will make 'em smooth and straight. I've only used mine on aluminum. Still sharp after a -12's worth of use.
Use a wire brush to clean shavings out of the teeth once in a while.
__________________
Dave
RV12 N951DZ
First Flight 9/23/16!
No paint yet. Working on a scheme with John Deere colors or accents.
|

06-18-2015, 03:04 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Frankston, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 125
|
|
Hi all,
Thanks for the advice. Bought the file.
Cheers,
Joe
__________________
Joe
Flying friends RV7A
Built RV7 empennage.
Building wings done - minus glass and lights.
Building Fuselage
|
| Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
| Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:33 AM.
|