Trim tab getting started:
I've read on the email lists that some people have had trouble with the trim tab end tab bends. Fore-warned is fore-armed, so, I started with a good buck. I cut a 2x4 into a wedge on the band saw then sanded it with the belt sander to match the shape of the foam ribs that I cut per the plans.
Clamp the trim tab skin tight to the buck. I used a bucking bar as a hammer. If you have a set of body hammers that would work better. Be careful to not hit the metal with the edge of the hammer or you'll put a ding in the skin you're working.
So far, almost so good. I got the tab bent a bit too long as you will see in the assembly pictures below. Practice makes perfect along with maybe another trim tab later on. P-)
Shoot the remaining small parts with some Zinc Chromate primer then start riveting.
Note the masking tape on the top of the squeezer yoke so I don't scratch the primer from inside the skin. This is the "longeron yoke" that Avery sells and has come in handy many times for reaching over or around stuff like the trim tab spar.
The trim tab control horn and spar are riveted in. Next is the hinge and closing the skin. I've already put the ribs inside the skin with the pro-seal that you see in the dixie cup. (sorry, forgot to take pictures). The trim tab is resting in the V-blocks that will keep pressure on the glued in ribs for about a week.
It fits the left elevator like it was supposed to!
As you can see below, I took too big of a bite when bending the end tabs on the trim tab skin. If I'm ambitious enough later on, I'll build a new trim tab.
Next comes the lead weights for the elevator counterbalance arms.
I decided I didn't like using the band saw and spraying lead sawdust all over the place so I got out the wood chisels.
These make clean cuts with not much mess although it takes a little longer than the band saw.
I finished up with a narrower chisel. It seemed to work better and didn't distort the finished weight as much.
Cut to fit, one for each side of the counterbalance arm, two per elevator. Since it's soft lead you can massage it into place and make sure it clears the HS skin when you assemble the big parts.
..and in conclusion..
..I'd like to say..
..beer me!
On to the wings!
