GordonTurner wrote:I've run into a problem that I know I've seen discussed on here before, but I can't find any of the more helpful suggestions:
I am near completing the left wing, the leading edge has been attached on the lower side. I used cargo straps to gently pull it around and align the spar holes with the top skin. These are now clecoed along the spar. Then working from the middle out one row at a time I have drilled and clecoed to the ribs.
I now have TWO rows of holes left to the leading edge, but the skin, particularly in the center, will not bend down to touch the ribs. The radius of the leading edge will not conform to the nose of the rib. It is worst towards the middle of the wing, by the time I move out to either end it seems ok. It feels like if I try any harder I will kink the skin.
I am sure I have read of some people "annealing" the radius. Is this what is necessary? If so, I understand I heat the metal with a propane torch until the sharpie marks disappear. Anybody have more specifics? Do I need a specific nozzle on my torch (the one I have makes an extremely sharp flame). Do I try to heat a larger area then quickly drill and cleco while it's still hot?
Help.
Thanks, Gordon
GordonTurner wrote:I am sure I have read of some people "annealing" the radius. Is this what is necessary? If so, I understand I heat the metal with a propane torch until the sharpie marks disappear. Anybody have more specifics? Do I need a specific nozzle on my torch (the one I have makes an extremely sharp flame). Do I try to heat a larger area then quickly drill and cleco while it's still hot?
GordonTurner wrote:Hi Steve. Do you mean the kinks appeared during install, but the vacuum process then corrected the radius and fixed the problem? Or the vacuum process caused the kinks?
Thanks, Gordon
GordonTurner wrote:I am near completing the left wing, the leading edge has been attached on the lower side. I used cargo straps to gently pull it around and align the spar holes with the top skin. These are now clecoed along the spar. Then working from the middle out one row at a time I have drilled and clecoed to the ribs.
I now have TWO rows of holes left to the leading edge, but the skin, particularly in the center, will not bend down to touch the ribs. The radius of the leading edge will not conform to the nose of the rib. It is worst towards the middle of the wing, by the time I move out to either end it seems ok. It feels like if I try any harder I will kink the skin.
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