Rudder Trailing Edge Tape

Started using the super sticky 3M VHB tape on the rudder trailing edge. This tape is $30 for 5 yards so I'm using a single length to cover both sides. The 1" wide tape mostly covers both sides. I started with it on the right skin clecoed in place. Then I weighted it down with soft dive weights that I have plenty of. These are basically heavy bean bags filled with lead shot and seem perfect for applying even pressure on the trailing edge to get a good stick out of the tape.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Primer on Priming

Image
Today I tried my hand at priming on the practice projects. Here's the procedure I'm using: Assemble all parts including match drilling, deburring, and dimpling.  Scrub everything with Bon Ami and maroon Scotch Brite in the guestroom bathtub.  I'm not using Alumiprep or Alodine. I might get talked into it, but Bon Ami is easy to use and I'm not sure that I need alodine.  Lay out on the painting screen. Dry off with the air hose.  Wipe down with Acetone to remove any last skin oils.  Don the respirator & mix the Akzo.  Wait 30 minutes. Load the primer into the gun using a screen.  Spray the first side.  Wait 15-20 minutes. Spray the second side.  Clean the paint gun with MEK. Remove the respirator and put everything away.  Here's what I learned: Akzo is NASTY stuff! As soon as I slightly cracked the lid the fumes were intense. This is definitely something to use a respirator the whole time it's being worked wit...
Read more

Vertical Stabilizer Skin

Image
Assembled the vertical stabilizer frame and covered it with the skin. I think it would be nice to look into the air powered cleco tool. Match drilled everything and we're ready to deburr, prime dimple and rivet. I'll either have Popeye grip or carpal tunnel at the end of this - maybe both. The skin is a bit difficult because it needs convincing to form over the frame just the tiniest bit to line up the holes. Fortunately the Cleaveland kit came with the perfect tool for this in the 1" Tapered Alignment Punch. I'm more impressed with their tools the more I use them. Vertical Stabalizer Skeleton  Skin in place. Broke my first tool putting this on. I bent a Cleco before I realized that I had a  Tapered Alignment Punch that's perfect for lining up the holes.  This is just cool seeing the whole thing together.  I can't wait to take this picture without the Clecos.  This is the 1" Tapered Alig...
Read more

Lectern for Plans

Image
I had a helper today with putting together my new lectern for the shop. I was constantly looking for places to lay the plans out and always running back and forth to consult them. This has already turned out to be a super useful tool for holding the plans. With wheels I can move it to wherever I am in the shop. The top shelf is also just the right height to look at while standing or while sitting on the wheeled stool I use when working low on the tables. The lower shelf is also perfect for holding rivets and tools. Inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, and super useful around the shop. 
Read more