Brief Description: Longerons, Slice Plates & Oak Dies
I finished up bending the rear longerons this afternoon. Even though they're .040 and long (about 6 feet) it was no problem on my "Dave's brake." I've read that some guys have problems bending longer and thicker material, but mine works fine as long as I stick to a few simple rules. While I was at it, I made the longeron doublers used to splice the rear longerons to the front ones. I also started construction of my proper 115mm flanging die. I got some 3/4" oak board from Home Depot and am gluing them up to make 1-1/2" blocks to cut, turn on the lathe, and sand down. I never made a "real" 115mm set, but am faced with having a few 115mm holes to flange and need a set. These should be more than adequate for the job. I'm making them as per the ZAC Construction Standards manual except mine will be a little longer - about 36mm thick instead of 30mm. I find this helps to center the die better in the hole though, so no worries.
