Brief Description: Fabricate rivet set, begin priming rudder parts
Much planning was done today by Mike S. and I to solve several problems. First, I am not thrilled about using Pro-seal on the Rudder trailing edge so we set about working a plan to rivet the trailing edge without the use of Pro-seal. More to come on that. We also found that it would be helpful to have a 3/4" rivet set for several rivets when assembling the area around the rudder horn. I don't have the required amount of blind rivets, and would prefer to set proper rivets as long as I am able to reach to them with the hand rivet tool. So, we fabricated a 3/4" long rivet set. Using 1/2" round mild steel stock, we cut it to length by chucking in the drill press and used a hack-saw against the slowly turning steel to cut straight through at a perfect 90 degree angle. Duct tape was used to protect the bench press table as we clamped a file to the base and used this to surface the back and the face of the rivet set. The final step was to drill a hole a 1/2" deep down the center of the rivet set then tap this to accept a machine screw. This screw holds the rivet set to the hand rivet tool. We then practiced on several rivets using both counter-sink and standard rivets and the new rivet set worked just fine. Now we will be able to reach all locations inside the R-710 Rudder horn. Began priming the parts for final assembly. (Note: I did the manual labor with Mike S. supervising as he is recovering from a bike accident that has him all busted up and on pain medication!)
Using drill press to surface rivet set face
New 3/4" rivet set
Now able to reach the difficult areas in the R-710 Rudder horn
