[GO Flyer]

I accidently actuated my pnuematic squeezer when I was dimpling my trailing edge on the top side of my right elevator skin when I was not in the hole. The extra hole that I created is 2/32 from the correct hole and is just on the edge of the dimple. Do I have any options other than a new skin? Can I drill that extra hole round, deburr it and fill it with something like JB Weld or bondo? I am worried about the skin cracking later. I want to be safe. Any thoughts other than slow down and keep your finger off the trigger until in the hole?
Thanks
Gary

 

[stevehilleo]

This has happened to most builders. The worst one it putting a dimple in your finger.. I still bear the scars.
If you put flat sets in your squezer, you can flatten the skin quite nicely, you could then drill a new hole slightly further along the trailing edge. I wouldnt try and use the original hole as it will go ugly when you try and dimple it.
You will end up with a slightly uneven run of rivets- but only you will know.
Epoxy putty- the stuff that comes as a stick is good for filling the holes and sticks well to alloy.
A new skin is not that expensive.
It sometimes helps to look at the workmanship on spam can planes, you can see what is 'acceptable' to professionals.
Steve Hill