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08-13-2019, 11:51 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,756
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Removing RTV holding two aluminum sheets
Helping a local -9A builder .. We have a situation where a small 2x2 aluminum sheet is affixed to a larger aluminum sheet with RTV.
If anyone has concerns about affixing aluminum in this way I'm here to tell you it ain't coming off  I think the intent was to temporarily cover a hole with hopes of being able to remove it later.
I'm trying to find a way to remove the 2x2 sheet without damaging/scaring the surrounding aluminum.
I can probably take a razor blade to it but fear it will dig into the surrounding aluminum and this is a cosmetically sensitive area.
Any suggestions from the vast and mighty VAF brain trust?  
__________________
RV-14A #140376
N196 (Flying)
2019 Bronze Lindy
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08-13-2019, 11:58 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dogwood Airpark (VA42)
Posts: 2,808
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Heat gun.
Carl
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08-13-2019, 12:03 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 279
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Can you get floss or a thin piece of copper wire between the sheets. Thinking something like a PVC cable saw I've used in the past, but using something that won't damage the aluminum. Use friction by pulling the cord back and forth to cut the RTV vs trying to wedge the pieces apart.
__________________
Brian Lester
Dues Paid - 2020
RV10 Slow Build - #41778
Finish Kit - in progress
RV10builder.com
KVKX / KHEF
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08-13-2019, 12:04 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,756
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Just tried that up to about 400 degrees .. must have used high temp .. good idea though, thanks!
__________________
RV-14A #140376
N196 (Flying)
2019 Bronze Lindy
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08-13-2019, 12:06 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,756
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Quote:
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Can you get floss or a thin piece of copper wire between the sheets.
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Thanks! This is in on my list as a last resort, I'm not sure what the wire will do the the underlying aluminum sheet.
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RV-14A #140376
N196 (Flying)
2019 Bronze Lindy
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08-13-2019, 12:29 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 416
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Paint wont stick
If your intent is to paint it afterward, I don't think anything will remove 100% of the Silicone in the RTV such that paint will stick.
I'm sure we will all be interested in the path you choose to take, and how it works out.
Good luck!
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~Chuck
DG-800S Sailplane
QB RV-8 -- Working on final wiring and the engine
84CX Reserved
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08-13-2019, 12:52 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Estes Park, CO
Posts: 4,198
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Cutting adhesive
Know any guitar players? Try the small "E" string. Seen many windshields removed in Mexico with it.
__________________
Larry Larson
Estes Park, CO
http://wirejockrv7a.blogspot.com
wirejock at yahoo dot com
Donated 01/01/2021, plus a little extra.
RV-7A #73391, N511RV reserved (2,000+ hours)
HS SB, empennage, tanks, wings, fuse, working finishing kit
Disclaimer
I cannot be, nor will I be, held responsible if you try to do the same things I do and it does not work and/or causes you loss, injury, or even death in the process.
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08-13-2019, 01:16 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Posts: 371
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Aerosol Brake cleaner dissolves silicone. Obviously you can only attack it a little at a time, but I think the dental floss along with the brake cleaner will work.
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Thanks,
Anthony
RV6-A "Aluminum Mistress"
Too many hobbies- not enough time.
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 donor and happy to do it.
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08-13-2019, 01:25 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 40
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Braided fishing line. It?s tougher than any wire and very thin diameter. Shouldn?t scratch the surface.
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Jason
RV6
KASD
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08-13-2019, 01:44 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,651
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I had to remove a fuel tank rib. Besides heat (and a heat gun is considerably hotter than a hair dryer, which I used) I found that a .020 music wire did a decent job.
This is the posting. It includes a photo and commentary. Now while tank sealant is different than the RTV, of course, perhaps some of the tools or techniques might carry over.
Dave
Last edited by David Paule : 08-13-2019 at 01:55 PM.
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