7/12/2005

Ribs. Ribs. Ribs. I continue to work on ribs.

Here's two pictures that show why they need to be "fluted". The left one shows what a rib looks like before fluting. It doesn't sit flat on the table. The bowing happens during manufacture when the flange portion is bent around a curve. To take care of that you put the indentations shown in the picture on the right (flutes) into the flange part. This is done with special pliers.

The hideous picture below is proof to the feds that I fluted ribs. I finished all of the leading edge ribs and did some of the ones that go between the front and rear spars. All of the ones for the right wing are finished so I couldn't resist -  I had to cleco the right wing ribs and spars together. 

I did the right wing first because the replacement tie down parts I ordered from Van's still haven't arrived. I checked this afternoon and noticed that they haven't even shipped yet. It has been 10 days. I suspect a lot of people were building this July 4th holiday and many had to replace a bunch of botched up parts.

I have a couple of blisters on my right hand from fluting. I like the pliers I have but maybe I need some bigger ones or perhaps I need to wear gloves.