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Section 29 - side skins, bending the longerons

R

RV6-KPTW

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I don’t know why I have consistently lost spatial perspective with these parts. It is too easy to blame the plans and, of course, I don’t think I am the problem. In any case I need some new AA6-125x3/4x3/4. I might be able to source this locally if I can figure out what this angle is. Is there a secret decoder ring for the Vans material?

Is AA6 6061-T6?

Thanks
 
Just make sure any angle you get has the radius at the inside corner vs the hard 90* angle like you'd see with angle from the big box stores.
 
RV6-KPTW said:
I don’t know why I have consistently lost spatial perspective with these parts. It is too easy to blame the plans and, of course, I don’t think I am the problem. In any case I need some new AA6-125x3/4x3/4. I might be able to source this locally if I can figure out what this angle is. Is there a secret decoder ring for the Vans material?
Is AA6 6061-T6?
Thanks
Click to expand...
YES!
 
RV6-KPTW said:
I don’t know why I have consistently lost spatial perspective with these parts. It is too easy to blame the plans and, of course, I don’t think I am the problem. In any case I need some new AA6-125x3/4x3/4. I might be able to source this locally if I can figure out what this angle is. Is there a secret decoder ring for the Vans material?

Is AA6 6061-T6?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I think this is what you need (From Aircraft Spruce)
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RV6-KPTW said:
I don’t know why I have consistently lost spatial perspective with these parts. It is too easy to blame the plans and, of course, I don’t think I am the problem. In any case I need some new AA6-125x3/4x3/4. I might be able to source this locally if I can figure out what this angle is. Is there a secret decoder ring for the Vans material?

Is AA6 6061-T6?

Thanks
Click to expand...
If you don't already have a set of the Buller Enterprises Longeron Bending Dies, they really helped me out doing the longhorns for the -7. But you still gotta have a lot of patience with the angles - pretty important to get them as close to right-on as humanly possible. Good luck and have fun!!!!
 
RV7CardenMike said:
If you don't already have a set of the Buller Enterprises Longeron Bending Dies, they really helped me out doing the longhorns for the -7. But you still gotta have a lot of patience with the angles - pretty important to get them as close to right-on as humanly possible. Good luck and have fun!!!!
Click to expand...
These look interesting but there is no mention of RV10 applicability. I don’t really mind beating on aluminum angle. ACS has been kind enough to send a replacement. I just have to be a little more diligent to stay oriented

Thanks.
 
RV6-KPTW said:
These look interesting but there is no mention of RV10 applicability. I don’t really mind beating on aluminum angle. ACS has been kind enough to send a replacement. I just have to be a little more diligent to stay oriented

Thanks.
Click to expand...
An update: ACS will ship a single $20 6061-T6 .125 3/4x3/4 10’ long from GA to FL for $265.00. Ummm. I am going to go another way.
 
Find a local metal company. They can order along with regular shipments from their warehouse and you will have leftover which comes in very handy. And you will avoid shipping charges.
 
Webb said:
Find a local metal company. They can order along with regular shipments from their warehouse and you will have leftover which comes in very handy. And you will avoid shipping charges.
Click to expand...

I will do a local search. Does only aviation use 6061-T6?
 
RV7CardenMike said:
If you don't already have a set of the Buller Enterprises Longeron Bending Dies, they really helped me out doing the longhorns for the -7. But you still gotta have a lot of patience with the angles - pretty important to get them as close to right-on as humanly possible. Good luck and have fun!!!!
Click to expand...

The die set does not call out the RV10. Does anyone know if they work?
 
Big advice the bending dies.

Do not bend the longeron fully with the curve of the die. Only use enough pressure to begin the bend. If you fully compress the angle in the die you will have a much overbent longeron.
 
RNB said:
The die set does not call out the RV10. Does anyone know if they work?
Click to expand...
The die set definitely works with the RV-10. It'll allow you to bend any 3/4 x 3/4 x .125 angle.
I just finished doing my RV-10 longerons with the set. It took 3 or 4 hours total, not counting rest time, with lots of iteration, but it was so easy. It's only a short segment that needs bending on the 4 longerons, just squeeze in a vise, then move it an inch, and squeeze it again. If you bend too far just put it in the vise and un-bend it some with your hands. I first tried banging on the angle and was preparing myself for a nightmare. I discovered the die set here and ordered it. I now wonder if I could have ever bent those angles without it. I know people have, but ...
It's got to be one of the best tool purchases I've made, including my pneumatic squeezer.
 
I 2nd the dies. They work amazing! I’d recommend using some type of grease on them though. I put painters tape on mine to protect the aluminum and didn’t use grease. I ended up with little vertical scratches in the aluminum that I had to sand out.
 
I built a set of bending diesel to go in the vise. I just used some big box store grade aluminum angle and some pieces I riveted on. 1/8" thick and used flush rivets.
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It worked well the normal vise, but then i got tired of cranking the vise open and shut.
 
My next iteration was to set up an air vise with the bending dies. This has an adjustment stroke as well as air pressure.
I used the engine stand from the EAA hangar and welded a quick riser to get the vise at a comfortable height for me.
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With the foot pedal, it was super easy to make "press brake hit" and then index the angle. By gradually increasing the stroke, I was able to get the "over bend" just enough to accommodate the spring back.

I found by cleco clamping the template into the angle made it easier to see the progress and know where to increase the press brake die.
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Hope this technique is help regardless of which vise or technique you use.
 
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