Got back from trip this morning, and the 1/8" radius router bit from Amazon Prime was waiting for me, so today is the day. The plans call for bending HS-710 and HS-714 spar reinforcement ends to a 6 degree angle. The plans also call for the bends to be at least a 1/8" radius, hence the router bit. Using Gary's router from next door, I trimmed the square edges of scrap 2x4's until I had an edge I was happy with. At this point I was happy to have the scrap HS-714 from earlier to be my test piece. I clamped the piece between scrap wood and applied leverage. I felt it give once, applied pressure again and felt it give a second time. Unclamped and checked the angle, and it was perfect.
I was a little worked up about doing this, and it turned out to be a piece of cake. I think routing the edge of the wood to a 1/8" radius was a total waste of time. The bend radius of the metal is greater than 1/8", and I feel I could have bent it over a 90 degree angle and it would turn out the same.
I have been in need of a solid victory for some time, so I am quitting while I'm ahead. Time for a beer.
