Tell us what you did today on your Bearhawk Project

[Bcone1381]

My windows are fabricated except for paint and final assembly. I thought some might like to see some detail of the interface between the former, the rear window frame, Acrylic, and window overlap.

The third photo shows the trim that holds the rear window in place. It has a joggle to accommodate the 1/4" from window overlap. The fourth photo lines on the former show where the rear window glass, the front window overlap, and the space for the joggle would be. The last photo....if I did it again, I would extend the top window frame forward anbohter 1/2 inch. I Cut the darn thing twice but it was still too short!!!
Screen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.02.09 AM.pngScreen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.01.59 AM.png
Screen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.01.45 AM.pngScreen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.01.35 AM.png
Screen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.01.28 AM.pngScreen Shot 2020-11-21 at 9.11.57 AM.png

[Nev]

Today I worked on the skylight frame. I’m planning a single large skylight, so starting with the new 4-place Bravo factory frame, I’ve modified it by moving the two center top retainers to the outside edges where I’ll rivet them to the formers once the acrylic is in place. It’ll be captured around all outside edges, and bonded to the two center longitudinal frames.

EC0688D6-AD44-403E-832F-EF7F128EBA85.jpeg

[Gary Wallace]

16 days and everything covered in fabric! Now polybrush and the chore of stitching and finishing tapes

[rodsmith]

That's great progress Gary!

[BravoGolf]

Started the bottom skin and fuel tank cover of the second wing

[Chewie]

I'm a bit behind you Scott. Getting ready to tack weld the wing jig.

[BravoGolf]

That looks great. I think you have your flaps and ailerons done and I haven't even started those.

[Nev]

Today these turned up on the doorstep. Finally.

D28261B1-5694-468E-9045-1159897A9AB7.jpeg
22FB7F82-4D3B-443D-9D23-D4C5E119C050.jpeg

[gary heuser]

I looked at youre post , and workwd on a sand blst and paint booth

[rv8bldr]

For those of you scratch building, I cobbled together a handy little jig for tack welding the 4,000,006 tabs on the fuselage.

I use two pieces of scrap .032 aluminum. I cut a hole in one of them, then riveted the two pieces together offset by the thickness of the steel tabs I am putting on (.040). I then used a hot glue gun to stick two rare earth magnets to the angle that will sit on the fuselage tube. A magnet was then glued underneath where the tab to be welded is positioned. I then just put the jig on the tube where I want the tab, tack weld the tab, take the jig off, and finish weld it. It works upside down, right side up, sideways, etc.

Now, given that the magnets are held on with hot glue, this probably wouldn't last long if you are using oxy, but if you are using TIG, it works a treat.


TabJig1.jpg

TabJig2.jpg

TabJig3.jpg

TabJig4.jpg

[sjt]

817Q-xG4TgL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I found this product on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MWYXLWG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[rv8bldr]

Well, THAT would have been easier :-)

[Chewie]

Hahaha! Sign of the times... Invent something, then 5 minutes later go buy it.

[rv8bldr]

....I'm not sure I waited a whole 5 minutes...

[Gerhard Rieger]

Sand blasted my airframe using used B60 blasting sand, it gives a softer blast for a real satin finish. Painted with a coat of edge primer with a anti rust and then the hardener based undercoat.

[rodsmith]

Good job to have behind you, I did not enjoy the sand blasting but couldn't believe how high the quotes were to farm it out.

[davzLSA]

that looks good, I need to do that again to my fuse, but Im sneaking up on it.

[Gerhard Rieger]

For sure, it cost an arm and a leg to send it away for blasting, Its done, next up is top coat

[Gary Wallace]

Whew!!! Big accomplishment. Ive been extremely busy..solo. 7 weeks ago i started covering. Poly Fiber processs. Just finished last tape and all ironing and inspection rings..squares. i am officially ready to start spraying poly brush etc. Have to rig up garage for the next process. I feel like i accomplished a lot...till i think of the next steps. Poly brush, spray, and paint.....i need a week or two to lose my buzz from the chemicals so i can think straight.

[Nev]

Hey Gary, I’d love to see some photos. I’m at the same stage - just logged on to post the same thing ! I’m interested to know how you’re going to do the spraying etc. will you rig up a spray booth in your shed ? Or do it outside ?

[Gary Wallace]

Ill be using the garage im thinking. Cover the floor , remove everything. Cover windows with clear plastic. Exhaust fan out window..makeup air from house walk up door from basement. Gonna be a real sh@# show. Want to utilize as much space as possible.

[TimTall]

Today I started painting! Feels like a big step to finally get started on the stuff that people will actual see. The $400 spray booth is working well so far...