TK's RV-8 - Page 21

scard · #**201** 08-27-2013, 03:01 PM

Ahh, Tony, you're coming along nicely. I think back to how intently you were interested in our conversations a couple (few?) years ago at OSH. You were a little skittish about your "new" airplane, but now you're turning yourself into an old pro just like everybody else. It is just a process, and there is just no way you can't get there if you just walk the path

.

Build On!
Scoot.

tkatc · #**202** 08-27-2013, 03:03 PM

Scott, look at those measurements and tell me what you think...any tips?

humptybump · #**203** 08-27-2013, 03:05 PM

time well spent. you are building a NICE RV-8 !

scard · #**204** 08-27-2013, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkatc

Scott, look at those measurements and tell me what you think...any tips?

Uh, yeah, Drill the holes! (very carefully, slowly, and keep checking the measurements as you go.) It isn't a rocket ship. 1/16" off at any arm isn't going to make a hill of beans worth of difference.

crabandy · #**205** 08-27-2013, 06:39 PM

Looks like its coming along nicely!

tkatc · #**206** 08-29-2013, 08:08 PM

I finally got the nerve to start drilling. I started with the heavy duty drill but that proved to be a bit uncontrollable so I switched over to the cordless. Much lighter, easier to control the speed. Of course that drill could only scratch the steel weldments but it was perfect to get the holes started through the aluminum before bringing in the heavy artillery.

Extremely messy process. Black grease (soiled Boelube) flung everywhere along with metals shavings. Had to wear shoes for this job.

The first 8 holes are drilled. The most important holes.

Then I drilled the remaining 8 holes. This job was difficult for me. Perhaps the hardest task so far. Maybe its because I was just so worried about screwing it up.

Then I spent a good hour or two cleaning up the mess and disassembling the gear carefully marking each plate and bracket. The center tape line that took a couple hours to lay down was gone in seconds. Finally, a quick debur and that job is behind me.

humptybump · #**207** 08-30-2013, 05:10 AM

Good progress Tony. If I were building an -8, that task would have made me nervous too ... and for the same reasons. Glad it's behind you !

Dvalcik · #**208** 08-30-2013, 07:30 AM

Looking GOOD!

tkatc · #**209** 09-12-2013, 11:09 PM

Next job was the forward bottom skins. I needed riveting help and solicited the Russian for help with rivets along the center section. They came out perfect! After he was gone I needed additional riveting help and bartered with the wife for her assistance. We did the forward crossmember. I was impressed they she did such a good job with the bucking bar.

The forward cooling ramp calls for some sealant. Here is the bead of fire sealant.

A ton of VERY tightly spaced screws and more rivets along the lower longeron.

tkatc · #**210** 09-12-2013, 11:16 PM

The rivet call out for the cooling ramp to firewall was WRONG! I set the rivets and the shop head came out FLUSH. As is no head at all. My riveting partner was telling me they looked ok so I continued on only to find out they would all need to be drilled out.

With the cooling ramp installed, more sealant needs to be added.

And the bottom forward skins are complete!