DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group

[Jim Bruton]

that is one beautiful spar jig table F210- if you don't mind, cost of materials? (we won't tell your wife...).

[Fokker210]

The angle cost me around $175.00 for both pieces ( I think I caught my metal supplier on a good day ! ) and the rest is straight from Home Depot. The 2X4's, 1" top, bolts, etc. topped the jig out at approximately $ 300.00 give or take.

I made my top clamping pieces out of 1" ply ( they seem plenty sturdy ). I had an extra piece in the shop and on one side, ironed down some of the same type of laminate material I used on the rib jig, then cut them to size on the table saw. Between this and my stockpile of wax paper, i should be able to keep any accidental gluing to a minimum !

[Fokker210]

Here is another item I found very helpful !
If you are like me and don't own a professional grade, monster table saw ( I have a normal, human size saw ) "Board Buddies" are great.

Check out this link !

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G2370


I cut down a 2 X 4, attached these to the top of it and clamp it all to my table saw fence. This keeps the material tight up against the fence at all times and the wheels only roll one direction, preventing kickbacks.

[Fokker210]

My spar bracket drilling fixture.

[worldcrusier]

Thinking of the work shop size, I was priviledged to visit Jack Kirby several times a year while he was building his beautiful SE5-A. He had a very crowded workshop/shed about 10 by 15 or 20 and he assembled in his garage. I firmly believe that he proved that size doesn't matter, it's all in how you use it.

[wolfenbill]

Size sometimes does matter. The SE5a was handy in that the wing assemblies can fit into a standard garage. Forget it with the Fokker D.VII. It's wingspan is almost 30 feet and it's all one piece. You need a bigger garage than Jack has. But the fuselage is doable in such a space.

[Fokkerslow]

Test...test.

Glad I finally stumbled across the forum. Hope you don't mind my joining in. You guys have good info. I have the Sand's ribs done...just fine tuning them (sanding) now. Still have Ldg Gear ribs to go before I tackle the spars next.

metz (fokkerslow)
Dallas area

[Jim Bruton]

Metz- welcome! glad you are here.

i am just behind you- have 2 main rib jigs and a landing gear rib jig ready. Wicks should have my rib materials here this week. How long did it take you to get where you are now- from receipt of materials? Any shortcut tips? Send us some photos!

Jim

[Jim Bruton]

OK, while I am waiting for my wood materials (for the ribs) to show up from Wicks, I went out and got a 3/4" thick piece of nice plywood to trace out the rudder. Worked until 11opm last night and it looks great! My goal is to cut it out and, when I receive that associated tubing, bend it around the cutout to form the curved outer profile of the rudder.

NOTE: A friend of mine did the same thing but forgot to take into account the thickness of the tubing- he actually cut out the outer dimension, so that by the time he realized his error and had made his rudder, the radius is larger by one tubing width- so be careful!

[Jim Bruton]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...bayphotohosting

i am still asking questions, and these are Redfern aircraft (look closely at photos and you will see differences).... but thought you all might be interested. i am almost wondering about finding somone to split the project up with!