Aft Fuse Zee Channels & Longerons


Picking up where I left off about 2 weeks ago (I'm flying a lot with my flight instructor to get my PPL finished).  Here's the two zee channels - one marked, one to "check" the other.



I ordered some tools from the Yard Store this week - a microstop and a #30 counter sink and a real deburring tool.  No more spinning a drill bit between my finger.



Both top ends of the zee channel measured and marked.  Can you spot the problem?



Here's the corrected markings.  My measurements were correct, but I was using the wrong reference line.



Both zee channels properly measured and marked.



At least I hope they were right - too late now.  (I'm sure the holes are right)



A bit of cutting and filing and here is the finished product.  Working with the zee channel was a challenge - with a flange pointing each way it gets in the way.



Next page - aft fuse brackets and bits.  These rudder stop plates go on the outside of the skin at the aft end of the fuse.  There is no 1/8" plate included in the kit, but there is plenty of 1/8" angle scrap.



Rough cut on the bandsaw.



Completed rudder stop plates.  I'll polish them with a higher grit paper before riveting them to the fuse.



Longeron material - 4 peices of 1"x1"x10' angle.



Measuring the longerons.  I used the clamps to keep the tape aligned with the edge of the angle to keep it straight.



As always, I never use the end of the tape to measure.  The metal clip is riveted on to the end of the tape and could move.  I always use the 1" mark as zero.



Both longerons marked for cutting.  I'm not going to do it tonight - its getting late and I want to double check myself tommorow.



So instead of cutting the longerons I dug out the splice plates that came with the kit.  Some bending and filing and these are good to go.  I'm glad I didn't have to cut them.



Thats enough for today.  Just like eating an elephant - one peice at a time.


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