"Flute if Necessary"

[FlyQXCRJ]

I must have been day-dreaming during my builder's class.

If the plans say "Flute if Necessary," how do I know if it's necessary?

Yes, I know that I should already know this -

Thanks!

[G-force]

If the parts curved, like the ribs, its going to need some fluting. A straight bend like rudder stiffenter, etc, no fluting needed.

[osxuser]

When it's straight, it doesn't need fluting. It's an eyeballing it type thing.

[prkaye]

For some parts that are supposed to be curved (like those outboard seat ribs), you don't flute to make them flat, but you do have to flute them to get the proper curve. In these cases, flute until the holes line-up.
I remember initially looking at those ribs being very confused because they come curved the opposite way. Be careful to flute incrementally though... very light pressure on the first pass. It really doesn't take much to put a large curve in.

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Assuming it's a prepunched part... run a string from one end of the flange to the other. If it bissects each hole, you probably don't need to flute.

[algrajek]

Hey Bob!
Whats with your new logo????
Go PATS