Fluting Aft Bulkheads-How successful were you?

jimbo · #1 08-27-2009, 12:34 PM

Re RV9a Fuse...Aft Bulkheads F-706, 707, 708,& 709. (I assume most kits are the same but maybe different part No's) Some are pretty flimsy and a quick attempt at fluting has me wondering if I will do more harm than good. What has been your experience? I'd rather err on the not fluting/little fluting than have to undue fluting.

Vans had preliminary fluting in most all of the tail and wing ribs and none here.

Thanks for the input.

Jim

kiwipete · #2 08-27-2009, 01:09 PM

Jim

I just did a little fluting and then used a straight edge to see if it was enough. You soon get a feel for it. For a straight edge I used a 1m carpenters level.

Peter

jimbo · #3 08-28-2009, 06:52 AM

yeah, I didn't have any problem with fluting the wing ribs but these aft bulkhead pieces are spastic-every which way and a different kind of animal.

Jim

airguy · #4 08-28-2009, 07:00 AM

They can be interesting, yes. I fluted the bottoms and once the bottom skin and side skins were on and the structure stiffened up a bit, then fluted the tops against a straight edge.

JakeLewis22 · #5 08-28-2009, 08:03 AM

Keep in mind while you're fluting these bulkheads that they need to follow the taper of the fuselage, they are not 90 degrees. Light fluting is all that's needed.