Hi All,
I've been struggling with my rudder rolled leading edges the past couple of days. Searched the VAF Forums for best techniques and adopted a couple that made sense. The upper small flanges rolled OK and match the template for that area closely. The middle section has been far harder and despite my best efforts the curve of the edge doesn't come close to matching the curved part of the template. Midway through the radius the max gap is approximately 0.2" despite hours of massaging and hand forming. The 2 sides are symmetrical and it looks good when clecoed together. I fear creating a crease at the spar or other damage if I continue working the metal. Access to where it needs to bend more is very restricted with the other bent flange in the way. I know the whole point is to create a nicely curved leading edge that fits well within the vertical stab hinge line overhang.
My question is: How critical is this template dimension and what are the ramifications if the actual leading edge doesn't conform to it exactly? Trying to figure out if I need to correct it or not worry about it so much, rivet it all and build on. Thanks for anyone's input and time.
Scott
I've been struggling with my rudder rolled leading edges the past couple of days. Searched the VAF Forums for best techniques and adopted a couple that made sense. The upper small flanges rolled OK and match the template for that area closely. The middle section has been far harder and despite my best efforts the curve of the edge doesn't come close to matching the curved part of the template. Midway through the radius the max gap is approximately 0.2" despite hours of massaging and hand forming. The 2 sides are symmetrical and it looks good when clecoed together. I fear creating a crease at the spar or other damage if I continue working the metal. Access to where it needs to bend more is very restricted with the other bent flange in the way. I know the whole point is to create a nicely curved leading edge that fits well within the vertical stab hinge line overhang.
My question is: How critical is this template dimension and what are the ramifications if the actual leading edge doesn't conform to it exactly? Trying to figure out if I need to correct it or not worry about it so much, rivet it all and build on. Thanks for anyone's input and time.
Scott