Stephan's Sonex #1627 Builder's Log

116.40 hours
Task List 48 n p.png
Latest Entries
Log #DateDescription Tail - Vertical Stabilizer SNX-T10 Time
0029 2013/06/05

I fitted the fiberglass tip to the vertical tail assembly. I wanted to be able to hang the rudder so I could check clearances, but the rudder is only partially riveted (for inspection), so I used a piece of sheet metal on a hinge to confirm the distances.

 

A lot of measuring and double-checking had to be done in order to ensure a good fit. I used a straight edge to ensure that the tip was centered on the tail and that it wasn't angled incorrectly. I drilled pilot holes and up-drilled to #30 and cleco-ed.

 

I'm ready to rivet one side of the vertical stabilizer, but I'm waiting on feedback from Kerry at Sonex to find out if it is acceptable to have the skin under tension. There is a significant amount of spring left in the skins and I'm concerned that riveting the skins under tension will cause issues.

 1.50
 
Log #DateDescription Tail - Vertical Stabilizer SNX-T10 02 Time
0021 2013/05/19

I completed the fabrication of SNX-T10-02 today. This completes all the fabrication that is necessary for drawing SNX-T10. It took me two tries to properly fabricate this part. On the first try, I bent one of the flanges at the wrong location and on my second try I scratched up the part too severly to be usable. I'm going to have to purchase some additional SNX-Z03-04 channel stock.

 2.50
 

Used a bending brake with a form block to make the bends.

I traced part of the drawing onto a piece of paper and then cut it out to get the right bend angle.

All parts for SNX-T10 are all done and ready to be assembled.

Log #DateDescription Tail - Vertical Stabilizer SNX-T10 01,03,06,07 Time
0020 2013/05/18

I worked on the vertical Stabilizer today and fabricated the ribs out of channel stock. I also cut the piano hingest to size. For the ribs, I used a form block the width of the channel to do the bending. I messed up on SNX-T10-02, so I just cut it smaller and made SNX-T10-01 out of it. Next time, I'll pay better attention to make sure I'm bending straight.

 2.50