Matt's RV-8 Project



Matt Dralle's RV-8 Project
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Date:  6-21-2014
Number of Hours:  2.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Rounding Bottom Flange of Baggage Door - Part 03

In the testing, I found that I could get just the right amount of bend that seemed like it was fitting nicely along the baggage door mounting. So, next, I grabbed the real piece of metal for the top baggage door skin and ran the first 4" or so though the roller from the front. Then I took it out and put it in from behind and ran it though the rollers again which seemed to even the bend out nicely. A trial fit on the fuselage and lo' in behold it was a lot closer that it had been. I adjusted the rollers again for a little bit more bend and repeated the bending process. Even closer this time. One more tightening and the fit was literally perfect! Best of all, from the outside of the baggage door skin, there is NO crease! The natural bend of the door that matches the fuselage top skin simple accelerates evenly over the last 1-2" of the skin which is just right for making a perfect fit and seal with the top of the fuselage.

So, I'm happy to report that I think I will finally have an acceptable baggage door for the RV-8. 'Course, I now I have to build this new one using the freshly rebent skin, during which time there is always lots of opportunity to slip with the rivet gun or whatever and cause a catastrophe that would require a forth attempt. But, let's not focus on that... :-)
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Third Attempt - Setting the Roller Distance

Third Attempt - Setting the Roller Distance

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Third Attempt - Setting the Roller Distance

Third Attempt - Setting the Roller Distance

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Third Attempt - Rerolling the first 4

Third Attempt - Rerolling the first 4" of the virgin skin from the front.

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