This week was basically back to “normal”.  I spent a total of about an hour working on the RV and really only was able to put the bend on the trailing edge of my rudder skins using the Cleaveland Edge Forming tool.  No need for me to show you how it works as they have a great tutorial video on their site.  I didn’t use this when I was doing my Practice kit, so we’ll see how it looks when I get the rudder attached.   Speaking of the rudder, I had been doing some research and getting ready for this weekend and purchased some Proseal in anticipation of needing it.  HOWEVER:  it seems that with the newer RV14’s the guidance has been to use some 3M adhesive tape.  While not called out in the plans, the description on Vans Website is very interesting

3M F9460PC Tape

Double Sided for Construction

Used for control surface trailing edge assemblies (replaces the older tank sealant method).

1 roll (1/2″ x 60 yards) will suffice for a complete airplane, even the RV-10.

Well, I think I’ll try this vs Proseal as it sounds like it’s a bit cleaner!  Also decided to purchase some additional items from Cleaveland Aircraft.  Got a set of Rudder Cable fairings, the threaded tie-down block, tail light adapter, and the drill jig for the trailing edge.  All of these arrived yesterday so I have everything ready to be productive.  Also should have the panduit ligntening hole brackets by this evening so I can potentially start to button up the Vertical Stabilizer.

Now to admit to another “oops”.  In drilling my rudder striker plates, it seems that my countersink bit allowed me to drill a bit too deep.  Reading online there were suggestions that you could use JB weld or make a shim for places where you may have countersunk something a little too deep, however after discussing with Vans it seems that the best approach is to replace the part.  This plate will take a fair bit of abuse, so why set myself up for an issue down the road (and a potentially annoying repair) when I can just order the $4 part now and be done with it. If I had the correct thickness stock material, I could have just fabricated it as this is a simple part, however I don’t yet have any material of sufficient size.

Hopefully this also arrives either today or tomorrow so I can have both the VS and the Rudder completed this weekend?  I expect my progress to significantly slow down as the next few sections are much more involved and I have other commitments that need my attention (work, family, life, etc).