Today I finished the canopy release mechanism. I prime the steel tubes. When I went to install it I had a problem with the 2 links not sitting at the proper slight angle. I discovered that the longer of the links was drilled 1/32nd longer that it should have. I also notice that the left side pin is to tight so I might have to ream that side to get the pin to release more easily. I used up all my extra steel tubing that I bought from Aircraft Spruce so I will either have to elongate the hole to move it 1/32nd or run down and buy some more tubing. I will decide on Monday. I took all of next week off so I can get some stuff down on the plane. I had a big conquest today in that I drilled and cut the holes and slots in the fuselage skin for the latching mechanism. I taped the pattern that you cut out on drawing # 48 to the fuselage. I used my smallest center drill to locate the holes precisely. I than removed the pattern and finished the holes to #40 and some holes to #30 where the slots begin. I went to Lowe’s to buy a set of small files and I also picked up a diamond grinding bit which I was hoping that it would speed the process of making those slots. It did not because the aluminum would just get build up on the bit and it did not cut very well after that. I used a test piece of aluminum to see if my carbide cutting bit in the Dremel tool would help expedite the process. Since the carbide cutter was about the same width of the slot there was not any room for error so I decided against it and proceeded with the file. After about ½ an hour of fooling around I decided to take my chances with the carbide cutter. When all was said and done and after the final filing and sanding the slots came out real nice. This was an area that I have been sweating and I am glad it is over. Nothing more to do today. I will attack the project again on Monday and see if I can resolve the quick canopy release mechanism.
