[David Paule]

I've got some places where some shims are needed. Ideally, they ought to blend out at one end. How do y'all do that?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Noah]

3 Options I know of:

1) Liquid Shim, with or without metallic fillers:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=6750

2) Grind a piece of aluminum until it's the right shape and size

3) Laminated Shim Stock:
http://www.spirol.com/company/products/prod_d.php?ID=61
McMaster used to sell this, not sure if they still do.

I like Rick's method the best!

 

[Grezdlitn]

Tapered shim stock

I have used some tapered shim stock in the past. As I recall it was about six inches wide, .060 at the fat end tapering down to almost knife edge. The piece was about thirty inches long.
Ironic that this post appeared as I was about to start looking for some more.
It may have been a Boeing surplus item. I will do some research and post if I can find some more or details.

 

[az_gila]

I have simply used multiple layers of scrap 0.016 stock.

Stagger the ends and make each of the lengths end close the the mid-point between holes.

A quick hit with a sanding disk will take off the sharp edge at the ends.

The above is good for long, but small gaps, that need shimming between bulkheads and skins.