Brief Description: Profiled Horizontal Stab Part 12
Well…I made another complete set of stab ribs. Why? When I was making the lightening holes in the other set the sheet metal just felt soft. I have no other explanation other than it was soft. I called Bob Barrows and he wasn’t really concerned about it, but offered that the preferred metal was 4130A or 1018. I have no way of knowing what the metal was that I was using, so I decided to go to Plan B.
I was visiting family in Western Washington and I looked around for a supplier of aircraft metals. I figured I could get some sheet stock and have it as a second piece of luggage, saving a LOT in shipping. No one in Alaska even knows about 4130A sheet, let alone have it in 21 gauge. I had some tell me over the phone it doesn’t exist and they never heard of it. I found Online Metals and they have a store in south Seattle. I called and asked if they had it. They said of course, how much did I need? They had stacks of 4 by 12ft sheets of ALL gauges of 4130A. Hallelujah!
After figuring out what I needed I called back and placed an order. The guys there were curious why I just didn’t ship it up there? I explained the cost to me wasn’t worth it and I could use my second piece of luggage to transport it. They said we could work with me on the shipping and save a bunch of hassle. They did and it was waiting for me when I got back. Those guys are the best and have all my business from here on out.
I got the ribs done. The steel is definitely softer than 4130N, but “feels” better when working it. So, here I am back to making holes. It is worth it to know I have the right stuff back there.
The third picture is a quick spot-facing job I did today on a friend’s float struts. Came out nice.
