Brief Description: Assemble rudder trailing edge w/ tank sealant
Completed preparation of trailing edge per plans today. Assembled rudder trailing edge with AEX wedge using tank sealant from Aircraft Spruce. First, I Layed a strip of wide masking tape along the outside skin trailing edge on each side to keep the skin clean and prevent sealant from squeezing through the holes and glueing the aluminum angle to the skins. Turns out it also kept the clecos pretty clean except for the ends of the clamping pins. To apply the sealant, I turned the AEX wedge on edge holding the trailing edges of the left and right skins apart. I then applied the glue to the skins only with a gloved finger. After I was satisfied that I had an even but thin layer of glue on both skins, I just flipped the AEX wedge into place. Very little mess! I of course ensured alignment by including 1" X 1" X .125 aluminum angle per plans. The trailing edge wasn't completely straight on earlier assembly trials, so I moved the aluminum angle to the other side after putting a slight bow in it by hammering a little on the non-drilled web. In the end, the trailing edge was straight to within 1/32" over the entire length of the rudder. Set aside for curing for a couple days.
