I feel like im losing my mind trying to get them to bend the correct ways. Ive read every post and every kitlog about the technique but its just not clicking to me on how they are meant to fit on the fuselage. Id be willing to pay someone to bend them up correctly for me at this point!
Four tips that may be helpful for you.
1. The F-1234 canopy deck is used as the template for the bend. Mark ALL the stations (forward edge of F-1234, beginning of curve, ect.) onto the longeron per the instructions. As you bend the longerons, periodically place the F-1234 L/R onto the longeron to verify you are getting the curve correct as you go.
2. Purchase some spare angle the same size as the longerons .... just not as long. Use the spare angle to prove to yourself you can do this by one of the two methods below.
3. I used a set of Buller longeron bending dies and if used carefully, they will bend the longerons perfectly with practically no induced twist.
4. Use a vice that is STOUT and just tighten the dies a little .... then move a little bit and tighten a little and so on. Don't really crank down on the vice .... just add some pressure, move an inch or so and add pressure, repeat and compare with the F-1234 Canopy Deck as you go.
If you decide to pound in the curve, you will still need the stout vice but you will also need to address the induced twist ... so you will be bending and untwisting a few times. Pull back on the angle with one hand (or use a helper) and use a stout hand hammer to pound on the angle ... reposition the angle and repeat. The metal will begin to curve ... but as mentioned, you will also be inducing a twist that will need to be addressed. It takes time, so be patient. If patience is not your forte, purchase a set of the Buller dies and practice on a spare piece of angle ... the dies truly work quite well.
This is one of those jobs that seems complicated and daunting until you actually do it. You will find it is quite doable ... just takes time and patience to get right.
