Tip: Edge Distance Tool

[Rick6a]

Here is a quick and easy project for those builders skilled in machining small parts.

This little gem of a tool started out as a common piece of 3/8" thick aluminum, cut into a 2"X2" square and machined as illustrated. With it, edge distance is quickly and accurately determined by simply butting the part to be marked against it at any value desired. Obviously, you can machine any values you want into the block of aluminum. A Harbor Freight stamping kit finishes the job. As you can see by the red pencil marking on the profile picture, you simply draw a line on your part with this tool butted against it. It does not get any simpler than this.

The utility of this clever tool is best appreciated by those who welcome the challenge of far more detailed sheet metal construction techniques including those who build RV-3,4,6 and early-8 kits. With this tool and a Sharpie pen, edge distance is quickly and accurately marked on the part. Soon, you will be able to hold a Sharpie against the tool as you run both along the edge of a long skin marking it for trim or rivet e.d. quickly and accurately.





Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"