Author Archives: Ken W.

Elevators (continued)

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Ken W.

November 8th, 2016, I finish match-drilling right elevator and thought I’d catch the left elevator up and then deburr and prime everything together.  It didn’t work out that way, as I flubbed with the Left elevator tip rib and then … Continue reading →

Posted in Empennage | Leave a comment

Back Riveting

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Ken W.

2/16/17 Got a chance to try out the new back-rivet set.  It works so much better.  Also, because it is so much easier to handle than the old one, I upped the pressure a bit and was able to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Shop & Tools | Tagged | Leave a comment

Elevators

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Ken W.

Began Working on elevators on Sept. 7th, 2016.  Had elevator horns powder coated at local shop for $85. I’m also working on the wings.  But, I’m keeping blog posts here separated by category (tail, wings, fuselage, etc…) to make easier … Continue reading →

Posted in Empennage | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rudder

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Ken W.

Rudder completed.  Here’s the run-down:    

Posted in Empennage | Tagged | Leave a comment

Vertical Stab(v2.0)

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Ken W.

Jul 4 – Jul 19, 2016 Wasn’t too thrilled with the first vertical stabilizer I built last year.  The skin rivets weren’t flush.  With more practice, some new tools, and a little guidance from more experienced builder friends, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Empennage | Leave a comment

Horizontal Stab Finished

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Ken W.
Posted in Empennage | Leave a comment

Wings Have Left The Crate!

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Ken W.

  Got the wings out of the crate last week.  They were filthy!  Found a dead mouse on the forward spar of the right wing, just outboard of the fuel tank.  Got them all cleaned up and the tanks off. … Continue reading →

Posted in Wings | Leave a comment

DRDT-2 Modification

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Ken W.

3/7/16 I read a post on vansairforce.com about adding a laser sighting tool to a DRDT-2 for aid in dimpling large, flat pieces, like the skins.  I purchased the laser kit and installed it on my dimpler.  It worked Great! … Continue reading →

Posted in Shop & Tools | Tagged | Leave a comment

Horiz. Stab Skins Matched-Drilled

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Ken W.

The HS skins are all drilled on.  Took a little coaxing to get everything lined up.  But, its all ready to tear down, de-burr, dimple, and prime prior to final assembly.

Posted in Empennage | Leave a comment

Back to Van’s for parts and a question

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Ken W.

I wasn’t happy with the way the HS-405 inboard main ribs for the horizontal stab turned out after modifying them per the service bulletin (SB14.01.31).  So, I ordered new ones.  Although, I ordered the HS-405s, they are now identified as … Continue reading →

Posted in Empennage | Leave a comment