Deburring wing ribs question...

[danielhv]

What method are you guys using to deburr the sides of the little tab on the flanges of some of the wing ribs? Its too small to get a deburring wheel in there, too small for a file (atleast any of the 4 I have!), and I'm out of ideas short of sand paper and scotchbrite pads... Thought I'd see if anyone had a more efficient way of accomplishing this task. TIA.

[rv9aviator]

Sent you a PM

[Transporter]

I use a Dremel tool with a flex shaft and #500 aluminum oxide buffing wheels.

I also use aluminum oxide turning cloth (made by Hermes in Canada) from Lee Valley:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...82&cat=1,42500

One roll of 240 grit and one roll of 400 grit will do the job.

FYI: don't use anything with silicon carbide or other silica based product-bad for the aluminum.

Mike

[danielhv]

ok... so I tried the little pink stone I had in my dremel kit, but it didn't work too well... kept skipping across the flange leaving little pits as it went. But I do have good news... I found some little discs that are paper on one side and a medium grit sand paper on the other! Gave them a shot and I think it turned out well. I did all the main ribs with it, and will go over everything with a scotchbrite pad tomorrow to knock off anything I may have missed as well as smooth out some of the scratches in the aluminum. Thanks for the help guys!

BEFORE:




AFTER:



Of course the camera makes them look worse than they are, but I think a scotchbrite pad will make them look alot better, but its past my bedtime!

[mike109g6]

Originally Posted by danielhv

What method are you guys using to deburr the sides of the little tab on the flanges of some of the wing ribs? Its too small to get a deburring wheel in there, too small for a file (atleast any of the 4 I have!), and I'm out of ideas short of sand paper and scotchbrite pads... Thought I'd see if anyone had a more efficient way of accomplishing this task. TIA.

For ribs and like the best/easiest is to use this:http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...Id=37764940944
chuck it in you drill press and off you go. does inside of lightening holes also.

[Webb]

I used one of those little hand held deburring tools and then a quick hit with sandpaper.

I just saw your pictures and I think you are trying too hard. Keep it simple. Knock the wire edge off, smooth a bit with sandpaper and move on. If it is not sharp to your finger or won't rub, you're done with that spot and it is time to quit.

In other words, more than good enough is too much and overdoing some of these things will come back to bite you in the buttocks.

[mlwynn]

I learned a trick from Brad Oliver (RV7factory). He suggested 400 grit aluminum oxide on cloth (available at woodcrafters). You tear off a twelve inch piece, split it to about 1/4". Clamp the ribs on your bench and then use the abrasive much like dental floss. It gives you a nice, smooth edge.

Michael Wynn
RV 8 FWF
San Ramon, CA

[asav8tor]

the 6" ss rule makes a good scraper to knock that edge off. Fast and does a good job.

[Rick6a]

I prefer to use a 6" Scotchbrite and be done with each rib in about 30 seconds.

[Webb]

Originally Posted by Rick6a

I prefer to use a 6" Scotchbrite and be done with each rib in about 30 seconds.

I think he's having problems with the inside where the wheel won't fit.