Flap and Aileron trailing edge radius

[nichzimmerman]

The plans call for a 3/32" bend radius on the trailing edge of the flaps and ailerons and an old beartracks tip suggested using the brake foot to squish the bend down to 15 degrees. The problem im facing is that the squishing action always causes the bend radius to be reduced down to 1/16" or so which is too small for this thickness. I have used several layers of scrap to increase the radius of the original bend, but no matter what that bend gets squished down to 1/16". Those of you who have done this before, how did you cope? Thanks!

 

[dedgemon]

nich, on the rv's we make a "brake" with a couple pieces of wood and a few hinges. this can be adjusted for a gap when the boards are closed. the boards can then be used to squish the previously bent trailing edges down to size. it more or less works, but typically needs a little tweaking with a pair of hand seamers.

 

[Enewton57]

(Untitled)

I used some 1/8" wooden dowel inside the bend before squishing it in the brake. This prevents it from creasing. Tape it in place in several areas to keep it lined up properly. Eric Newton - Long Beach, MS http://mybearhawk.com

 

[DesertBearhawk]

Love that idea Eric!