Any use for an unusable stabilizer

cdeerinck · #1 10-14-2018, 03:51 PM

So after trying to do the RV-8 Horizontal Stabilizer SB, and failing, I had to rebuild a new stabilizer. I just finished.

Before I throw the old one away, I thought I would ask: Is there any reason to keep or do something with the old one?

I have no desire to keep it as "art". I thought I could maybe cut up the skins for scrap aluminum, but I'm not sure that would be worth the effort, and they also are not flat, plus I have enough scrap to finish up, and don't really need more.

So, any ideas before it goes down to the recycling center?

nzrv8 · #2 10-14-2018, 04:01 PM

When you decide what to do, let me know, as I have two unusable horizontal stabs

I keep them in the corner as a reminder to take my time and check before I drill. Eventually I think they will form a coffee table or similar.

DeltaRomeo · #3 10-14-2018, 04:09 PM

Art smart - make a desk out of it....that can at least be used!!!! ;^)

airguy · #4 10-14-2018, 05:16 PM

Keep it - you'll end up using various parts for scrap metal to (re)build other parts before the plane is done.

jcarne · #5 10-14-2018, 06:14 PM

Holy smokes what a cool desk Doug just posted!!! Also, I agree, keep it for the scrap, that 0.032 will come in handy for sure.

Z-EDD · #6 10-15-2018, 01:15 PM

Desk is cool but I?d go for bar counter personally

But either way Doug has a great idea. Even if you don?t desire an item of furniture yourself the company that makes this stuff might well want to buy your HS.

iwannarv · #7 10-15-2018, 01:49 PM

What part of the HS stabilizer is 'failed', making it all unusable?

Please PM me if you wish not to answer out in the open.... But that is a good sized assembly to get to the end and think 'Eh, that won't fly'. 90% of the time what I thought was a horrible 'throw it away' mistake turned out to be just a minor fix from Vans. Makes me paranoid all my flying parts I spend months on are trash and I don't know it.

EDIT: I just saw it was during the SB this did not work...... Inquiring mind still would like to learn if you can PM me. Thanks.....

dejavu · #8 10-15-2018, 02:24 PM

I agree with others, keep it for scraps until you're finished with the build.

Autograph then donate it to a business (restaurants, etc.). You'll have a permanent public wall art. Think of Wing Stop, or any business associated with aviation or the airport.

That's a nice desk Doug..

RV7A Flyer · #9 10-15-2018, 03:06 PM

http://www.motoart.com/

RV6junkie · #10 10-15-2018, 03:20 PM

I finished my plane 25 years ago and I still find uses for my box of parts.

BTW, when I finished my plane I had an extra aileron and rudder. Welcome to the island of misfit toys.