Tom Gwilym Traci Schott - Experimental Aircraft Builder's Log

Traci and Tom's RV-7A

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Date: 5-20-2013
Number of Hours: 1.50
Manual Reference: Sect. 6
Brief Description: "Breaking" edges

This is it. Finally started to build an airplane. Starting with the first step in the instructions. "Break" all the edges of the two HS-603PP spars. Edges should be 1/32 radius which is hard to judged other than looking at the end. Manual says that all parts need to be rounded an smoothed out so you don't feel any rough spots which could later cause a crack from stress. I filed them down with a flat file in a circular motion while rocking the spar back and forth to get an even surface. It's easy to see where you have been since the edge will quickly become shiny where material was removed. Otherwise it has a gray, dull, sheen with kind of a waxy surface that is polished off easily. I haven't rounded the ends yet, That will be the next thing to do with the file/grinder.

Left half of spar has been worked on, right is still untouched.

Spar on left has been "broken" and polished with 400 grit, file, and Scotchbright pad.

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