Buttercup Project - Steve Wittman -First Flown in 1938

[planecrazzzy]

http://www.wingsforum.com/viewforum.php?f=320 (http://www.wingsforum.com/viewforum.php?f=320)


Here's a Building Log in Progress...

It's between a Buttercup and Tailwind.

Both are Steve Wittman designs.
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Gotta Fly...
Mike & Jaz the Flying Dogz

[cluttonfred]

Looking good, fun to see the progress, but are these two-year-old photos or you need to set the date on your camera? ;-)

[planecrazzzy]

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I am Groot...
.http://eaaforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4329&stc=1

[planecrazzzy]

Some of the latest progress...
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When building a house comes first...

Hobbies take a back seat...

This is my second plane , I'm NOT loosing interest...Life Happens

[planecrazzzy]

why doesn't the attachment management work now ???? I think this happened before... . Gotta Fly... Here's the dam picture... But you gotta open it... http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=5772&mode=view

[planecrazzzy]

Cleaned up the Over spray and Aluminum angles, Used Red loctite and lock washers Rear Windows are in to stay. Gotta Fly... http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=5775&mode=view

[planecrazzzy]

. Ah... Radio Check... Is this thing ON ? . Hmmm...Transmit on one and Receive on the OTHER ???? Kind of like trying to post a picture like I was a few posts ago.... I'll try again... Just finished the Tail Wheel and Dampener... and Safety wired. Oooops... Their still in the camera... OK Test picture... The manage attachments below is broken http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=2424&mode=view

[CDS]

Thanks for the photos. I'm certainly an admirer of Wittman's approach to designs (i.e. lightweight and simple). What engine will you be using?

[Glory Aulik]

. Ah... Radio Check... Is this thing ON ? . Hmmm...Transmit on one and Receive on the OTHER ???? Kind of like trying to post a picture like I was a few posts ago.... I'll try again... Just finished the Tail Wheel and Dampener... and Safety wired. Oooops... Their still in the camera... OK Test picture... The manage attachments below is broken http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=2424&mode=view

Hello!

We are in the process of fixing this issue. Thanks!

[planecrazzzy]

Thanks for the photos. I'm certainly an admirer of Wittman's approach to designs (i.e. lightweight and simple). What engine will you be using?


Wittman's designs really are simple and light... Oh yeah...and FAST

The engine I'm putting in mine is a Lycoming 0-235

I'm using a climb prop from Catto

Gotta Fly...


PS THANKS GUYS !!! My "manage attachments" are working again ...

[planecrazzzy]

I got another batch of AN hardware...
$80 bucks doesn't buy much.
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I'm getting the controls assembled.
I used clevis pins on the rudder linkage.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

I've got a couple of the floor pans in place,
I need to put the Brake cyls on before the next pan.
making sure the heads of the screws get silicone under them for added holding strength.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

Brake cyls in position... Still need to hook up the lines.
I can do that with the other floor pan in place.
It can be reached below too.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

I had to remove Cotter pins that I bought from Aircraft Spruce & Specialties (A.S.S)
Because of the poor material used , they cracked and broke.
The FAA was notified because A.S.S didn't seem to see the urgency of stopping them from shipping.
Instead... it was a paper chase.
I've stopped doing business the A.S.S. way
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Here's pictures of those parts.

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Gotta Fly...
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PS I'll never put a cotter pin in a plane without looking at it through a microscope...
These were AN parts... Mill Spec... Garbage !
The picture in place of the real bad crack... Was on my right aileron.
Gives me chills to think what could have happened.

[planecrazzzy]

Panel work...
Putting some of the instruments in place.
and making a cover over the instrument panel.
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[Frank Giger]

Looks great!

Okay, a little hint:

https://www.bandbaircraftsupplies.com/ for your aviation hardware. Goodness knows I've sent a bunch of money to aircraft spruce - and still order some stuff from them - B&B deserves a call. It turns out the only difference between an four dollar AN-4 bolt from Aircraft Spruce and a two dollar AN-4 bolt from B&B is two dollars....it's all the same standard.

A big bonus is that they speak do-hickey as well, which came in handy when I needed some clevis pins.

[planecrazzzy]

Thanks Frank... I've been looking at several other places... and Cheaper is always better.
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Wicks and LEAF too.

Gotta Fly...
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Looks great!

Okay, a little hint:

https://www.bandbaircraftsupplies.com/ for your aviation hardware. Goodness knows I've sent a bunch of money to aircraft spruce - and still order some stuff from them - B&B deserves a call. It turns out the only difference between an four dollar AN-4 bolt from Aircraft Spruce and a two dollar AN-4 bolt from B&B is two dollars....it's all the same standard.

A big bonus is that they speak do-hickey as well, which came in handy when I needed some clevis pins.

[planecrazzzy]

Working on things when I can... Weather willing...
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Few pictures from latest progress...
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Got the Horizontal Stabilizers and Elevators done with Polybrush.
The temperature was 20F when I sprayed...
Then I pulled the table in the shop during drying each time...
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Gotta Fly...

[Frank Giger]

Looking at your covering skills all I can say is....I hate you.

:D

[Sam Buchanan]

Yep, as one who has covered a few fabric planes.......that is outstanding workmanship.

[cluttonfred]

I agree that it's great work. What are the thin, darker-colored bits under the reinforcing tape between the ribs in the first and second photos above?

[planecrazzzy]

Looking at your covering skills all I can say is....I hate you.

:D
Thank you Frank, That's the nicest thing someone has said about it ...

Gotta Fly...

PS To the other question.... Those are Douglas fir strips (http://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=23568)

I had to use them to jump the structural tube... The fabric was barely touching it

[planecrazzzy]

Messing with the Spring Rod Dampeners (http://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18836&start=15)

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6276&mode=view

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6277&mode=view

[planecrazzzy]

I used some Toothpicks ( Flat Ones ) to help get close enough to use "Tape" to seal it.
Then extended the Spring Rod Dampener with Balsa wood...using Bondo to glue it.
After it gets Glassed... it can be ground out more..it's just a mold.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6336&mode=viewhttp://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6335&t=1http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6334&t=1http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6344&t=1http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6343&t=1http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6338&t=1http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=6337&t=1

[planecrazzzy]

Spring Rod dampeners have 2 part Epoxy primer.
I had to make a booth in the shop.
The first attempt to spray them outside, snow blew off the trees
By the time I sanded out the bad areas and feathered it...
The first coat was practically gone...

A LOT of hand sanding...Also a lot of wood rasp file.
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

More Stuff Done...dampeners were finished... brakes are done...
working on throttle and other cable throwing buttons bells and whistles.
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Finally paid the ransom money for tiny shackles on the rudder...Much cleaner/lighter

I designed a sticker like the Tailwind Sticker...( For both sides )
The Sun will write Buttercup with it's shadow...
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

I'm close to finishing my Air Box

Not much hardware needed.
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Gotta Fly...
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[Frank Giger]

Gorgeous work!

[planecrazzzy]

Still haven't finished the Carb Heat Box.
I was working on my Kolb Firestar II , getting her ready to fly again...
We got snow early... and Winter sorta STAYED.

So , back to work on Miss Tickle Madness
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I worked on finishing the doors... One more thing off the list...
I'm also spending time STARRING at the carb heat box... as in , how I'm gonna filter it best...
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Here's pix of the Doors... (http://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18774&sid=86a01576180a3c77d0776ba7b3f03086)
The Flames are Bare Aluminum and colored with a magic marker.
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7061&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7060&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7063&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7085&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7084&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7095&mode=view
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

I made a frame to hold brass screen...
From here it will also get a filter laying flat on the Brass / with oil on it ( Like Rotax )

It will clean easy.... The cowl will also have a heavier screen and filter

I'm working on the Carb heat "air supply" at a near by exhaust pipe...The Scat will be short
Pictures @ 11
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

Short run...
Short clamps.
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The SCAT needs to be adjust... probably shortened too.
the exhaust wrap has adjusting that can be done... Hotter or cooler
I took a stab at it.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

I took off the exhaust to clean up and put on a ceramic coat (High Temp paint)
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mean while it looked like the aluminum tubes could use a little elbow grease while things were open.

Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

Hey Guys,
Here's my spinner finally getting some finishing detail...

At the beginning the ridges on the surface didn't look too bad... Hmmm, I started with 150 grit
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

I'm laying out some lines while I had the cowl together.
It's close , still needs tweaking, I'm going to make it Thicker at the beginning.
you get the general idea .
Gotta Fly...

[Frank Giger]

Awesome craftsmanship!

I'm particularly impressed with the ability to draw only the lines to be used on a piece; I always seemed to have two or three extras with squiggles on them to show they aren't to be used. ;)

[planecrazzzy]

Awesome craftsmanship!

I'm particularly impressed with the ability to draw only the lines to be used on a piece; I always seemed to have two or three extras with squiggles on them to show they aren't to be used. ;)

This was a rough lay-out to "get Back" and see my line... Also an Idea about thickness....
Here's what I got from this...

I had planned on a Red stripe... But taping it Blue...I like Blue too...Hmmm
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I noticed from a distance the stripe looks too skinny at the beginning.
At the Tail... it "ends" too thick... I want a Sliver...Even ending slightly early.
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I might be tempted to Put a red stripe on one side and a blue one on the other...it would match the doors.
Mystical Madness
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Gotta Fly...

PS This all started because I started poking around with the Baffling...Here's some pix of aluminum and paper too...

[Tench745]

This was a rough lay-out to "get Back" and see my line... Also an Idea about thickness....
Here's what I got from this...

I had planned on a Red stripe... But taping it Blue...I like Blue too...Hmmm
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I noticed from a distance the stripe looks too skinny at the beginning.
At the Tail... it "ends" too thick... I want a Sliver...Even ending slightly early.

I was thinking the same, stripe needs to start fatter, but I'm having a hard time picturing that looking right without making the ring around the cowling thicker too, which might start looking odd.

Maybe something like this, to transition from the cowl stripe to a fatter side stripe? 7778

[planecrazzzy]

I still need to paint my aluminum skin white. So I have plenty of time to refine it..
In these pix... One is thicker at the Nose.... one is more slender.
Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

Baffling ...er... Paper

[planecrazzzy]

Well, the wings were taken down after being on the ceiling 6 years...( Moving , building a house, Life happens )

Holy Cow , it's a good thing they were sealed with a varnish coat of epoxy.
I blew them off with high pressure air.
I was going to hose them down , but our outside faucet hasn't thawed yet.
So, bucket of water and a sponge. They are cleaning up nice. nothing sticky.

This kind of shows how ONE guy can do this... Up or down.
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Gotta Fly...


http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7364&mode=view

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7363&mode=view

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=7362&mode=view

[planecrazzzy]

Funny... The Wings are back "UP"...
I did a little work on them.
But I needed the room, I flipped them too.
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I dropped in here to tell Frank about those perfect lines he was talking about...
and how wrong he was...

I missed the Datum Line... also... The streak was too narrow.
The lines on metal are no problem...The ones on the fabric can be tricky to remove without leaving a Ghost....
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Here's my Stuff... Yeah I use it to polish Aluminum.... But it polishes a LOT of things...
It only takes a dab to wipe out the pencil lines/marks....gone
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It's a good "Fine" polish to have handy.
Works on headlights too , Or CD's / Movies that won't play.


Here's a Link "MOTHERS"

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/696d9263-d276-4b88-bd16-59ba283c7f43_1.75df627d14387ec46335004906cfd0ec.jp eg?odnWidth=undefined&odnHeight=undefined&odnBg=ffffff

(https://www.homedepot.com/p/Duromax-4-400-Watt-3-500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Electric-Start-Portable-Generator-with-Wheel-Kit-XP4400E/203729615)

[planecrazzzy]

Taking advantage of some good weather .
I got it ready last October after it SAT for 6 yrs , but Winter hit early ...
plus I needed a Bi-annual revenue , registration and insurance.
Got it all taken care of , time to explore my new area.

Since my Buttercup project is getting closer to completion ,I need to get my flying skills polished up

I was cautious , I tied the plane and tested full throttle .
After Takeoff I stayed over the private strip (Robco)
She ran great... I flew around twice ... Each flight was 1.2 hrs
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I'm working on the plenum for my Buttercup ,
but I have a lot of firewood to cut & split ...yes, Winter is around the corner.
plus , it would be nice to fly her again before it gets too cold with the open cockpit .

Gotta Fly...

[Frank Giger]

Oh, that's wonderful!

[planecrazzzy]

Oh, that's wonderful!

My Grandson was out with me... He said it wouldn't get off the ground !!!
Well, he was surprised...

He's only 5 yrs old... He's never seen any of my planes fly.

After I took off , I circled back with a low fly-by...( Can you see the peace sign ? )
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It was good to get my plane back into the air, it was on the ground TOO long.

Also... He's the age where it might sink in a little.

Oh, I put him in the seat with the head phones for a few pictures .

Something to look back on.
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

Back to work

[Frank Giger]

This is a baffling piece (in the literal sense, part of baffling), or am I just being baffled (in the literary sense)?

[planecrazzzy]

I'm trying to baffle the Lycoming , but I baffled YOU... Ha !

Its getting closer ...Now I have 4 pieces ...front , sides and rear area ,
I need to connect them and seal the plenum area , it's been a slow stage , with lots of starring
I was baffled before the engine , it was a phase...or a Fog...it's lifting
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

progress,

Gotta Fly...

[Samuel]

Buttercups are cool!

[planecrazzzy]

I've got the back wall cleco'ed to each side , still more to go

Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

funny bends took funny brake pieces

[planecrazzzy]

here's the piece in place , still a rough fit

Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

more paper turned into aluminum

Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

Any thing wrong with cutting this here ?

I drew the black line first , I like the straight cut the red line is showing .

Sealing it... Small piece of aluminum to overlap and a little bit of high temp silicone to make a vulcanized sandwich.

Gotta Fly...

[Frank Giger]

Excellent work!

[planecrazzzy]

Thanks Frank , I'm waiting to hear some progress on....hmmm does your plane have a name ?

My first planes name is Miss Lucky Stars....
Cause every time I fly her I'm thanking my lucky stars

my second plane took years to come up with the right name ...Mystical Madness
"Miss Tickle Madness"
It seems to fit .

I think I heard you call her something before ...but can't remember ...

Waiting for updates

Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

More Baffling Pictures.
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I have Dzus fasteners on a lot of this lower Plenum.

I plan to hold the top cover in place with them too.
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So far...the lower pieces weigh 2 lbs 4 ounces

It's strong and comes apart easy.

I made a drill template for the Dzus lay-out...Banding material works good.

Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

more baffling pictures

[planecrazzzy]

hmmm, I stuffed the Buttercup in the pole barn while I work on my Kolb FSII.

Then an opportunity to vac-u-form my wing tips / strobe cover came up .

I looked through my old experiment , found a piece that I can use ...after a little bit of repairs

Here's some pics ...They might have been formed last night , I'll post those pictures later.
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Gotta Fly...

[planecrazzzy]

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Wow , impressive machine after looking at Utube homemade rigs.

I asked Dave about posting his "contact " info in case youz guyz might need something vac-u-formed.
Some of the things he showed me that he has designed and molded were very professional looking .
I also learned about using Textured plastic sheets ...
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Dave Ekstrom

Director of Engineering

4125 Hangar Drive NW

Bemidji MN 56601

PH 218-751-1880

dekstrom@bemidjiaviation.com
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.http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=8906&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=8905&mode=view
http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=8904&mode=view

[planecrazzzy]

. The scars on the aluminum were hidden with some engine turning .
http://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18465&start=75
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

I got it sealed up with Chaffing material and a layer of Wool
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Gotta Fly...

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9230&t=1 http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9229&t=1

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9228&t=1 http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9233&t=1

http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9232&t=1 http://www.wingsforum.com/download/file.php?id=9231&t=1


Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

Wow.... I was surprised to finally come back and find no replies.
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I thought I posted some good stuff , obviously no one seems interested in a Buttercup...

Saves me time ...
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Gotta Fly...Baby
JAM ( Just Another Mike )

[CHICAGORANDY]

Well I dunno, seems folks have been following your work for some 8 years and 67,464 views? I'm not sure what you expected during this your last absence for a year from making a post? Looks to me like some nice work on this lengthy project?

[DonN]

Sometimes your work is too good to comment on ---
What have you been doing for the last year?
What is this most recent part and why is a nut taped on the Knipix(sp?) pliers?

[planecrazzzy]

Sometimes your work is too good to comment on ---
What have you been doing for the last year?
What is this most recent part and why is a nut taped on the Knipix(sp?) pliers?


This is an example of the Modification....I can JUMP a flange to squeeze a rivet
Different size nuts work...I use two sizes so far.
The tape has NO PRESSURE...It only keeps the nut aliened
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I thought of this during my Plenum fabrication

https://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18465&start=75#p54514
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Gotta Fly...
(https://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18465&start=75#p54514).
PS Thank you for the complement....That's a new one
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[DonN]

This is an example of the Modification....I can JUMP a flange to squeeze a rivet
Different size nuts work...I use two sizes so far.
The tape has NO PRESSURE...It only keeps the nut aliened
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I thought of this during my Plenum fabrication

https://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18465&start=75#p54514
.

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Gotta Fly...
(https://www.wingsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=18465&start=75#p54514).
PS Thank you for the complement....That's a new one
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OK - I turned a thick (1/2") die for the rivet squeezer to jump a flange. Works great.

[planecrazzzy]

Well I dunno, seems folks have been following your work for some 8 years and 67,464 views? I'm not sure what you expected during this your last absence for a year from making a post? Looks to me like some nice work on this lengthy project?
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Don't feel ignored... Your reply was censored ...
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Gotta Fly...
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PS 67 thousand? ... Thanks Frank

[planecrazzzy]

Hey Guys,
I guess the Wings Forum (http://www.wingsforum.com/) is getting repaired and should be back in a day or so.
I'll finally get to update my building log, , it could be viewed,but I haven't been able to post since about August ( 7 mos )
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Meanwhile ...I just happen to see a picture with those knipex (?)
The first way I was jumping a flange for riveting...The jump block was floating...it had to be held til pressure was applied.
later I came up with using nuts because SIZES are easy to change,
and they are held to the tool with a simple piece of tape, leaving metal to metal contact.
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Gotta Fly...
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[rsrguy3]

Can we get the yearly update? It's my birthday Saturday and I'd like a little whitman treat!

[planecrazzzy]

Here's your TREAT... My Loss... My Project is "For Sale"

0-235 Lycoming (Mid-Time), Fuselage and Tail are Covered , Wings are built / need covering.
Catto Prop (new), Dampeners on landing gear , Matco Brakes , Goodyear Tires , Instruments included and transponder w/ mode C encoder
Full Swivel Tailwheel, 3" prop extension,
$10,000 takes everything I have that goes to this Bird.
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Wife is Divorcing me , I don't have the place or time to work on it or ROOM for it... (95% Done)
It's close to starting the Engine...Just a few more details and hook-ups.
I'm keeping my other plane , This one has to go.

The Plane is located near Bemidji, MN ( It's in Laporte,MN 56461 )
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You can see pictures HERE...or
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The main Building log has been on the Wings Forum.
The forum makes you register in order to View Pictures...( I know...Tarded )
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https://www.wingsforum.com/viewforum.php?f=320
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Gotta Fly...
Mike in MN

PS Materials alone are worth MORE than 10K , WAY MORE...
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[planecrazzzy]

Here's more pictures.
These are the flight controls
Gotta Fly...
Mike

[planecrazzzy]

More Pictures

[planecrazzzy]

Misc Pictures.
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Whoever buys it will get a Copy of all the building pictures...

Gotta Fly...

[rsrguy3]

I wow! That's rough so sorry to here about your situation. Hang in there. It is a treat for sure! I'll see what I can do.

[planecrazzzy]

Process for Welding the Fuselage...
It helps Keep the Longerons from pulling in during welding.
They are kept slightly outward for fabric...
The fabric then pulls them in for a straight Fuselage.
Learned this from Jim Clement.
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Gotta Fly...
Mike

[planecrazzzy]

The plane is pretty much sold...
We're working out the details...
He got it for 7K
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I gave it away
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Gotta fly...
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[Tim Hoversten]

Did you complete the sale? (sometimes things happen...)