Control Surface bending

[lstinthot]

I am scratch building Sonex 1604 (http://sonex1604.wordpress.com/). I am working on the rudder and elevators right now. I bent a rudder and do not like how it came out. It kinda curls at the end and is not real straight looking down the trailing edge. I decided to bend the elevators next. I put a piece of 79" by 26 1/64" stock in the brake. Lines are laid out where the practice piece comes out pretty good. The center of the small flange must have moved, it is not consistent down the length of the flange. I moved over to the flat 12" surface and am only able to bend to about 60. I built Dave Clay's brake. Has anyone else used this brake to bend the control surfaces? Do you just use a piece of plywood to finish bending outside the brake? If you try to go any further you end up creasing to lower surface against the hold down bar. Now I have some scrap to cut other parts from.

Also, if someone has the setbacks for the other shapes that would be great info to get. I have to cut scraps and create this chart for each part as I go.

Mike

[mike.smith]

I scratch built as well. I never could get the control surfaces to bend as far as they needed to, so after riveting to the ribs, there is some slight scalloping. And yes, you need to do a bunch of bending outside the brake. I used a 2x4, but make sure it is LONGER than the piece you are bending. I used a shorter piece the first time and it put a divot in the aluminum at each end of the 2x4.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 759&row=53
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 850&row=52


http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 548&row=45

[lstinthot]

That is what I was thinking. Thank you.

Your website is just what I needed, few more distractions. You plane looks great. Spent some time checking out some of the stuff I already completed.


Mike

[Gripdana]

When you are ready to do the leading edge of your wings I vacuum formed mine. I made a video of the process I used. It was very easy to do. Here is a link to the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_QWPoFEhWc

[mike.smith]

That is what I was thinking. Thank you.

Your website is just what I needed, few more distractions. You plane looks great. Spent some time checking out some of the stuff I already completed.


Mike

Thanks. I still find it hard to believe I'm flying an airplane that I scratch built! Keep building; it will be worth it!

[lstinthot]

Dana,

I have seen your video before. Thank you for sharing. I will most likely refer back to it when it comes time to bend the leading edges.

Mike