TK's RV-8

[tkatc]

I finally feel like a builder although I know I have just begun.

Workshop is just about done but I know it will forever be changing.


EAA workbenches on wheels!


Harbor Freight special!! Fabrication table.


Database!


And of course, stress relief!

[tkatc]

I got my tail kit a couple of weeks ago and the Russian helped my do inventory. He instructed me to debur everything before assembling anything.

So, here are all the parts (except for skins) deburred.


My first rivet!! The Russian came down to help with the first rivets. He says he wont build again but he was like a kid in a candy store. He couldn't wait to fire up the gun. So...he bangs home the first one!! Complete with a SMILEY , there goes my Lindy award!!


The rear HS spar is clecoed and ready.

[SportAvServ]

Your way too organized, I'm sorry you will have to sit with the engineers at lunch. Did you get the fridge from a Norhwest Pilot? ;-)

[Jerry Cochran]

Where are all the parts, tools, and random c**p strewn all over the floor? I hope you don't think it's going to be pristine like that for more than a day???

Please don't be a neatnik and embarrass your fellows...

Did the Russian tell you to do do this?

.

[humptybump]

Congrats on getting your build underway!

... not sure how much longer the Jeep will warrant garrage space :-)

[tkatc]

Trying to keep it as neat and organized as possible. I didn't realize how DIRTY deburring was going to be. Black greasy soot. Shavings of aluminum and wood everywhere. I wonder how long before one of the cars gets its first flat tire from aluminum shavings...

I also didn't realize how expensive builder assistance was going to be. Vlad helped me set 6 rivets and it cost me 2 quarts of Aeroshell, 1 Champion filter, an entire bag of BBQ chips and 1 beer. That comes out to approx $8 per rivet!!

Even Jay Pratt doesn't charge THAT much!

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by Jerry Cochran

Where are all the parts, tools, and random c**p strewn all over the floor? I hope you don't think it's going to be pristine like that for more than a day???

Please don't be a neatnik and embarrass your fellows...

Did the Russian tell you to do do this?

.

Jerry,
His neatness on the pictures is just for the show and desire to make it to VAF front page. He has all those fancy deburring tools and when he runs them thick dust clouds everything Jeep included. His shop is equipped with machinery enough to built a 737. Except somebody didn't send him promised dimple dies and he borrowed mine not aware of coming rental bill


Other then that, great job cousin! Smiley was made on purpose. BTW do you know you souppose to prime bare aluminum?

[jimbower]

I want to see candid photos of this shop after some major assemblies are completed. I predict there will be aluminum dust on all surfaces, tools everywhere, clecos in the corner covered with spider webs, and no more beer left in the fridge. Ask me how I know this.

Jim Bower
St. Louis
RV-6A N143DJ - Flying at last

[tkatc]

Continued with the forward HS spar today. I took the RV sportair workshop that I found very helpful....but it was 8-9 months ago so I have already forgotten a lot of what they taught. Progress is slow as I teach myself how to read plans, interperet rivet nomenclature and associated drill bit numbers.

Today I bent the 6 degress into the reenforcement angle. It was a scary step for me. Probably sounds stupid to an experienced builder but this is one of the steps I can see myself messing up.


Turned out well I believe!!


Matches up perfectly!


Good bends in the spar as well.


My first dimple!! Yeah!! The rivet sits NICE!

[longranger]

Tony, it looks like you did a better job here than did I. I added a third rivet in the middle to make myself feel better...