My Fokker DVII Project

Butch · 11 October 2006, 11:41 AM

Jeff,
Go to the local metal shop that makes A/C ductwork. They have 3003 half hard. Cheaper than AC Spruce and there's no shipping. They will also shear it to manageable sizes.
Pete

hank jarrett · 12 October 2006, 02:27 PM

Jeff,
Your chute looks just like some of my first work (WAY too much of it!). First thing is clamp the sheer between two blocks in any area you want to stay flat (repeat of what ulpilot said), second get a round face PLASTIC hammer. A metal hammer will tear the aluminum up. Eastwood sells a set of hammers for metal beating that work great and they aren't that expensive. Third LOTS OF LITTLE TAPS!!!! Don't HIT the aluminum, you don't want to beat it to shape, you just want to "encourage" it to move. You will be amazed at how it will start to flow like a thick liquid under repeated soft blows. If you hit it hard it stretches. If you just tap it you can actually tap the top of a fold and the metal will shrink back and get thicker as the fold disappears. You aren't doing badly, just get the right tools and tap lots and tap lightly. It's really rewarding when a flat sheet becomes a beautiful part. You won't believe your eyes.
Hank J
By the way, get ready for some complaints about the noise. I have a parrot that STILL bobs ber head making a TAP, TAP, TAP sound two years later. I think I drove the wife and neighbors crazy with hours of tapping. It's thearapudic!

AchimEngels · 12 October 2006, 03:02 PM

Jeff,

you are doing fine! Not much more to add to what those before me wrote.

Some more practise and a lot of TAP, TAP, TAP´s, and DING, DING, DING´s later you will have beautiful ammo chutes to work with for your ammo box and empty belt box.....

Enjoy the experience....

Achim

Jeff Brooks · 12 October 2006, 04:29 PM

hank jarrett & Achim
Thanks for the help! I will pick up the plastic hammer and give it a try!!! stay tuned! I'll post the results!
Jeff

Craig · 12 October 2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Brooks

Here is the hinges I made with the guidance from Achim.

If anyone's guidance is golden it is that of Achim Engels!

Jeff Brooks · 15 October 2006, 06:37 AM

I drove to Greenville, PA to see Fred Murrin. I needed to go to school for weaving the cable for the landing gear bracing wire. He was extremely helpful! he made this neat jig to hold the cable ...

with the cable it looks like this ...

He is a very good teacher, he made one (making sure I understood each move), then watched as I did one. here is one of his and one of my splices side by side.

AchimEngels · 15 October 2006, 06:53 AM

I love this comunity!

So many great folks all around!

This looks good! great job, Jeff!

Achim

RobW · 15 October 2006, 07:42 AM

Did you get to see his triplane or the Camel?

Jeff Brooks · 15 October 2006, 08:46 AM

I love posting my mistakes ....

While I was at Fred murrin's, he pointed out that the turnbuckle I was using for the bracing wire might be too small. he pointed out in the Brimm & Boggess book i brought down where the wire strength & corrisponding turnbuckle strengths were. so now I have to swap out turnbuckles.

for those out there who would like to see it too ...

and for cable (landing gear bracing cable & control cables)

Yes, Achim, you are absolutely correct! this community is very helpful (and sometimes colorful!). to anyone who ever wanted to try building a WW1, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!! There are helpful types EVERYWHERE!!

Jeff Brooks · 15 October 2006, 09:03 AM

boy, you can't read that turnbuckle one... here's a close-up for us older types ...