I believe the fuselage jig drawings have been deleted from Van's preview plans set for the RV-8 since the bulkheads have been prepunched to match the skins. The fully prepunched kit probably doesn't need the jig required to match drill the skins to the skeleton. However, I think the jig still provides a better work platform for assembling the fuselage than the shop workbench.
The jig provides a method to clamp major components (longerons, bulkheads, and firewall) in place so the skins can be attached and it provides a stable work platform. In addition, after I get the fuselage assembled I plan to convert the jig to a temporary table for riveting the bottom skins on the wings. I think a lower work surface will be easier for Connie to do the riveting with me handling the bucking bar. Connie is not very tall and would have a difficult time reaching all the rivets with the wing laying on a table top that's 30-32" from the floor.
In preparation for fuselage assembly, I borrowed a set of jig plans from another local RV-8 builder who had an earlier kit. This evening I made a material list for the jig. If I am correct, the following material is required:
(4) 8'x2"x6" Main rails for the jig (must be spliced) (14) 2"x4"x96" Jig legs and cross members (doublers on the legs) (5) 1"x4"x96" Bracing material (1) Box of 2-1/2" deck screws (1) Box of 1-1/2" wood screws (2) 2' length of angle steel for splicing 2'x6"s (1) Sheet of plywood for bracing gussets Angle aluminum or steel for various brackets and clamping devices
Some of the required material can be salvaged from my wing jig and crating materials. I have enough 1"x12" material from my wing crates to make the braces (after ripping on table saw) and six 2"x4"s from the wing jig. There will also be additional material in the fuselage shipping crate (plywood for bracing gussets). I plan to build most of the jig shortly before the fuselage kit arrives. Looks like another trip to Lowes for lumber.
