Trim Tab 5 (2.0 hrs)
Rib-let fabrication. Part two. I was determined that my second attempt at a proper rib let would be my last attempt, and thankfully it was. I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Using the measurements I made previously, I drew the angle out on a piece of paper and used that to mark the .020 aluminum sheet to make sure that the web and flanges had the correct angles. I made the rib longer than needed so that I could slowly trim it down to where I was happy with it. The point of the rib towards the trailing edge was the only part that was off, and only by a hair. With a little work and magic I was able to get a very good fit. The first two photos show the result of my bend. I used a pair of seamers and a block of wood to make the bends.
Here is one of the two clamps I used to hold it in place for the first hole to be drilled.
Here is the end result after drilling and dimpling. Its just a tiny rib, so I’m more than OK with using pop rivets. I want the concave side of the rib inside so that the elevator can eventually be closed with epoxy / fiberglass (when I learn what all of that is about). Regardless, the flat edge out looks better IMHO. N888PB’s mascot is of course posing in the background.
Last note of the evening. Mike was kind enough to give me the brackets he used for his wing stand. Awesome! This is definitely a time saver. He also has the other wing stand for storage and completion of the leading edge and he said I could use that…. which will be an even bigger time saver. Pictured below are the upper and lower brackets for one side of the wing stand.