Brief Description: Rework of Ribs complete on Right Wing
Finished the right wing rework today. This was a tough job. We found that it was easier with the right tools. The first 3 ribs were very difficult and highly time consuming. I used a flexible shaft dremel with several grinder bits to remove the Hysol. It was just over an hour for each rib. Unfortunately, I nicked the spar twice. Scared me so I sat back and thought it over for several days and decided that a flap sander would be the best way to approach it.
Well, after searching the dremel website I was disappointed to discover that the smallest one they make is about 1" in diameter. Not good. To top it off the smallest grit they make is 120 grit. Too coarse. Just by chance, I checked E-bay, Wow! I found exactly what I needed. diameter of approx 3/8 in 320 grit. Ordered 50 of them and when they came in I tested them. Worked beautifully. What was once an hour job or more was fast,, safe and perfect. The remaining 5 ribs took me all of an hour and a half.
Now all the ribs have been re-epoxied and the false rib spar is installed. Its been a slow couple of weeks waiting for epoxy to cure before moving on to the next step but, now the right wing is ready to be swapped out for the left from the ceiling storage. The left will be a complete forward spar replacement as well. Spar to be ordered tomorrow. looking forward to completing the wings and getting to the gear and fuselage.
Once the both wings are reworked we have to reset the Butt Ribs and begin the finish work and build the ailerons and flaps.
