December 18, 2003

Edges on the VS skin are dimpled, at least as far as the squeezer will reach.

This was an idea I stole from Mike Howe's site.  Makes dimpling, etc. a lot easier when working with the little parts.  If you look closely, you'll see the male & female dies are reversed.  Didn't take a shot after I spotted it. *shrug*

Ribs are dimpled except for the holes that we're supposed to skip for the fairing.  These are the same holes that got skipped when dimpling the VS skin.

New tools!  Deburring the inside of the flange holes of the ribs was a pain, because I'd do the outside using the standard deburring tool, and then take that apart to screw into the extension to twirl between my fingers.  Tools are supposed to make our lives easier, right?  So I put in an order, and tadahh!  A second deburring bit, and the adapter to screw it into that will fit into my electric screwdriver.  Works like a charm!

Maroon scotchbrite pads.  Folks have recommended Ace Hardware, etc. but I could never verify that their maroon pads were the proper grit, aluminum oxide, etc.  Avery & Cleveland want $20-$25 for a box of twenty.  McMasterCarr has the same box for about $12.  Mucho better!