Winter projects?

[n3480h]

I'm rebuilding a 2180 VW, changing the crank to 86mm throw, (2287 with 92mm jugs), installing ARP rods, and removing the casting flash from the heads. This will go into my Sonerai IILS.

Also building the wings. Ribs are formed, spar caps drilled, just have to alodine and assemble. It gets pretty cold here, so outside work is limited.

If we get a few warm days, I'll strip the fabric off the Skylite and blast the frame for new fabric in the spring.

What are you working on this winter?

Tom

[raceair]

Good Topic, Tom........I'm doing a builder assistance this winter with a Kitfox. Am writing articles and finding content for the next issue of 'To Fly'....And, The latest version of the Mong MS-3 is getting close to cover....Hope to be doing that by mid winter......Also am interested in unearthing old F-Vee aircraft, and seeing if we can find owners for them, to build Supervee Air Sports.....Ed

[cwilliamrose]

We try not to have winter here. As far as projects go I have a couple of customer projects (aircraft fabrication) coming soon and I have some house repairs to do now that it has cooled off a little.

[Peteohms]

Oct 28, 2012 9:46:26 GMT -6 raceair said:

Good Topic, Tom........I'm doing a builder assistance this winter with a Kitfox. Am writing articles and finding content for the next issue of 'To Fly'....And, The latest version of the Mong MS-3 is getting close to cover....Hope to be doing that by mid winter......Also am interested in unearthing old F-Vee aircraft, and seeing if we can find owners for them, to build Supervee Air Sports.....Ed

I was reading some older posts and saw Ed's reference to Formula V. A quick search revealed an interesting site; formulav.com/.

Pete

[raceair]

Yes, Pete....That was our old FV site....It does provide a historical perspective, although there is no FV organization anymore......
For information and involvement relative to what we are trying to do today, go to affordableairracing.proboards.com
Jeff Lange and I are trying to keep the fire lit for low cost, grass roots competition......Ed

[taildraggersinc]

Tom,

You mentioned blasting your Skylite fuselage. What media will you use? I've tried researching this for my Baby Ace, and have read all sorts of opinions. Frankly, my project doesn't "need" it, but I wanted to get down to bare metal for repainting.

Any tips?

-Wayne

[n3480h]

Hi Wayne,
Yup, LOTS of opinions. I went with white silica sand, which is potentially hazardous. I basically suited up for a lunar landing to keep it out of my lungs and eyes. Painting respirator, goggles, face shield, chemical gloves, tyvek suit, rubber boots, and a tail wind. ;D
It worked out very well. Used n inexpensive 10 gallon pressure blaster from 'bay. Also bought a deadman's valve to conserve air and sand. Compressor is a 15 gallon 150 PSI, with a water trap. I was able to maintain 60-80 PSI, which was sufficient. White silica sand was $5 for a 50 pound bag at our local lumber yard. Four bags was enough, but I didn't have to do the entire frame.

Tom
[img src="i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/n3480h/sandblast6-2-12_zpsbf8bd62e.jpg"][/img]

[taildraggersinc]

Tom,

Thanks for the detailed info. I'd heard that using regular "play sand" could harm the 4130 by over "sanding" or removing too much. Or maybe it was too much heat...

Anyway, I'm glad it has proven to work well for you.

Now we need pics!

-Wayne

[n3480h]

Tried to post a pic, but it doesn't work for me. Wayne, the play sand granules are of inconsistent size. Ok for cast iron maybe, or grafitti removal. Its also very important to keep blasting media dry so it can't bridge or clump, stopping production. The white silica sand at lower pressures removes paint and rust, but not metal.

Tom