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Trimming wing skins

FlyingDiver

Well Known Member
Patron
I need to trim the inboard edges of the wing skins to get the right gap for the seals. What tool works best? It's really slow going with a flat file.
 
I need to trim the inboard edges of the wing skins to get the right gap for the seals. What tool works best? It's really slow going with a flat file.
My favorite tool for this is a Dremel with reinforced cut-off discs....BUT, make sure you practice on scrap first. It takes a little learning curve to do straight lines. Do NOT use non-reinforced discs. They will not take side loads and are very dangerous when they come apart.
 
I used snips to get close, then finished with a small scotchbrite wheel in a drill. Went really well. 2 hours work.
Marked it up, ran painters tape along the line and launched into it. It was another one of those tasks I had been dreading, but turned out to be a non event.
Cheers DaveH
 
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Many have omitted the trimming and seals altogether to no apparent difference in airspeed or handling.
Well I think I need some trimming on one side just to get the bloody wing on. That wing was installed once a couple years ago when I did the torque tubes. Now I can't get the pins in. I'm desperate at this point.
 
Many have omitted the trimming and seals altogether to no apparent difference in airspeed or handling.
I believe that others have reported differences when flying without seals, and Van's got upset enough at the idea to add specific notes to NOT fly without some sort of seal. I believe tape is acceptable if you want to wait till after paint to install the real seals, but they want some sort of closure to the gap in flight.
 
Well I think I need some trimming on one side just to get the bloody wing on. That wing was installed once a couple years ago when I did the torque tubes. Now I can't get the pins in. I'm desperate at this point.
You need to get an exhaust pipe expander to help line up the wing pin holes. Harbour Freight medium-size work perfectly. Still have to use after 10-years of removing and installing the wings.

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