Bending the aileron trailing edges ???

Hi folks,

A couple of quick questions on doing the trailing edge bends on the ailerons.

Has anyone tried taping a small piece of doweling right at the trailing edge to try to help form a better edge when using the home-made metal brake to do the bend. Would you recommed this?

I vaguely recall using blue RTV silicone right at trailing edge to sort of join the top and bottom stiffeners together. I presume for extra support and to prevent cracks. Is this also done on the ailerons ? Would using proseal be as good or better?

Thanks,
Steve Wolfe
RV-7 Slow build

The first picture shows my method, the second shows the results. No dowel. Note how the bending brake is set up; it's a bit different than what I see most people doing. You get better leverage and concentrate the applied force right at the bend where you need it. I can't take credit for the idea; I borrowed the brake from a retired finish carpenter who built and flies an RV-7.

I put a 1/8 in rod in my "elevators" when I did mine, came out great.

i used a 1/8" wooden dowel

Hello!

I did use a 1/8" dia. wooden dowel bought at Hobby Lobby for the Rudder and both Elevators TE.
This avoided overbending the edges and/or creating any cracks or creases.

Rudder:


Elevator:


more pictures here:
http://mykitlog.com/users/display_log.php?user=mvidalr&project=2131&category=8047&log=154566&row=6

Happy building!