Forming elevator counter weights. bending tubing

[cleve_thompson]

Just getting started. I finished most of the RV 9A empennage kit at Alexander's but didn't finish the counterweights. I need a good way to trim the counterweights in elevator. Will a vixen file do the jo and do I need to order one. (Didn't come with my Isham RV tool kit). Is there an easier way or a better tool? There seems to be a lot of lead to trim.

While I am ordering, what is the best way or cheapest way to bend the aluminium lines for brakes, fuel etc.

What about a protractor for measuring travel of elevator, wing angle of attack, etc.

[jcoloccia]

re: trimming lead

I drilled a hole at the "corner" of my trim on the elevator weights. That lets you get a nice radiused inside corner and also makes the other cuts less critical. For the long straight cuts, I actually just used my hacksaw. Others have had trouble doing it like this, but it took me about 5 minutes. I cleaned it up with the Vixen file, but my other Harbor Freight files worked fine too.

re: should you buy a Vixen file....Yes! That sucker kicks butt. I don't use it THAT much, but when I do it's very handy.

[McFly]

You have more control and it produces no lead dust. Saws, files and sanders just didn't cut it (pun intended) for me. Good luck.

[davidkarlsberg]

I used a vixen file. It took a while but worked fine.... I think.

[cleve_thompson]

Thank you all. .I ended up using a hacksaw and it seemed to work o.k. when smoothed with a file. Now, I will try to install them and eventually balance them.....much later I am afraid. Until then, I will not know if I did alright.

[N57 OZ]

I am doing my fuel lines at the mo, go to Harbour Freight & get yourself a tube bender, $6 & does both sizes. Bends come out real nice, I have used the springs as well & they don't do as neat a job esp if you want some tight bends like the 180 deg on the HP fuel pump on FI Engines.

hth Stephen RV7
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