Nose ribs are bowed!

[SC Patrol 253]

I have 30 beautiful nose ribs, except for the bow that will not let them lay flat. I've worked with the bob stick as Bob suggests, also creating a jig to support them while pressing on the flanges but can't find the trick to get them to flatten out. I would greatly appreciate suggestions.

[Gavin Chester]

can you post some pictures , to show the bow.

[Barry]

If you work the lightning holes with a bob stick in combination with fluting adjustments you will find that it is not that difficult. I found that bob sticking the forward and aft portions of the lightning holes worked for me. Don't be afraid of being aggressive with the bob stick. A lot of it depends on what method you use to flange the lightning holes. If you use the bob stick to flange then the straightning process is more difficult, if you press the lightning holes, it is easier. Watch John's videos (N3UW), they are very helpful.

[SC Patrol 253]

Thanks Barry. I went back and adjusted (reduced) the depth of the fluting on the aft edges of the nose rib flanges and the rainbow shape went down some. Still not perfect, but I will try pressing on the fore and aft edges of the lightening hole flanges. I figure by the time I finish the 30th rib, I'll get the hang of it!

[Barry]

You will really have it figured out by the time you get all of them done. I found that I did not need to press on the flanges, but make the flange angle a bit more that 30 degrees on the for and aft side of the lightning holes. You just need to stretch and tighten the aluminum in certain places to get the rib to lay flat on the table, then once you figure out where to adjust them, the rest go easily. Have fun!!