Getting back into editing video and posting a few updates. I’m quite behind as the video for this update has a timestamp of March 4th. Oops!
So as I pondered the order I wanted to build things, and looking around my limited garage space I have been trying to come up with a good build order. I know once I get or build my wing-cradle, I’m not going to have much room to move around at all. In order to put the wings into the cradle, I need to have the main spar, ribs, rear spar, top skin and outer leading edge done. The moment I rivet the ribs to the main spar, I have basically lost a section of my build space / can no longer use the shipping crate I have to store the spars.
Looking ahead, it looks like the Outer Leading Edge can be done independently, so I could build them and store them out of the way now while I still have lots of bench space. At least that’s the plan.
Starting off I find the ribs and set them into piles for the Left and Right side. I then number the ribs (as well as the image on my plans) so I can easily identify where parts go vs the generic part numbers. I then begin to flute and straighten the ribs per the plans.
Next I pull out the J-channel and make sure I’m using the correct pieces. There was a note in the packing list that they may have included extra pieces in this kit that are to be used in future kits as it’s cheaper to ship them now with the longer boxer. I thought they may have sent extra J-channel and had to take the time to verify which pieces I should be using. For the RV-10 it doesn’t look like they included anything beyond the center spar pieces.
I measured and trimmed them to length. I decided I could make more exacting cuts with my hacksaw vs the snips. A quick hit with the belt sander and cleaning up the edges and we were good to go. I then marked my center line down both pieces and put them aside for later.
Next was marking up 4 ribs to have notches cut out of where they sit against the spar. A few careful measurements and then using my dremel tool made quick work of everything. (Remember to round the inside corners to prevent stress risers!) Micro-files cleaned up the edges and put the appropriate rounding into the cuts.