Brief Description: Countersinking and Installing Platenuts
Today I finished countersinking one spar and began installing the platenuts that will hold the fuel tank skins in place. Unfortunately, my compressor began acting up and stopped me my tracks. About 3 weeks ago, I installed an automatic water drainer on the bottom of the compressor. This device was supposed to release a little air (and moisture) every time the compressor cycles. Apparently, the metal used to make the fittings was not up to the challenge, and a crack opened up after running at 150 psi (go figure). I ended up spending the rest of the day removing the apparatus and replacing the pressure line that had to be cut for the install. Now I'm back to draining it manually every night; however, I upgraded the stop-cock valve to a more substancial assembly. Not only is it easier to reach the valve lever, I ran a 10 foot drain line outside, so I don't have to hear it drain at the end of every night (which is very loud). I routed the end to a rock pile beside the house, so it's not too loud for the neighbors either. :)
