Not sure, anybody interested?

[pilot06]

Thanks for the video. That's what I'm looking for. Do you think it's realistic to plan out your metal so there is no trimming?

PC

[sdennison]

Well, not in my generation. Remember, I'm an old Fart doing things by hand. With today's technology, one could probably take drawings to laser cut or water jet but we are dealing with a vintage airplane with drawing tolerances +/- 1/32". So I think it still needs the fine touch.

Might ask the same question of younger and smarter talent, of which there are many in this industry.

[pilot06]

Good point. I was thinking of the forming process at the factory. They router the blanks in stacks and then press them. I guess my question was, if using the original dimensions on the drawing, can hand forming give you similar results? I assume the metal acts a lot different when hand forming vs. press forming. Either way, I like your idea of leaving extra material for trimming.

Thanks again for the fantastic post. I'm a huge fan of the manufacturing techniques from the 30's and 40's.

Best,
Patrick

[sdennison]

Patrick, first, remember I am making two pieces, RH and LH. I think they also made use of trimming dies in some cases. Hand forming seems to do the trick for the number of pieces I require.

Regarding the original drawings, I was surprised to see how little information they contain in general. Tolerances are in most cases +/- 1/32" (.030") and pieces I have made to print will not fit our aircraft. There is so much variability from plane to plane, each is nearly a "one off". The Mustang guys say the same thing.

Glad you are enjoying what little I can offer up.

[sdennison]

Fun filler project came in today. 30 cal gun pods for T-34 Mentor. One needs new door built.

[pilot06]

Way cool. Didn't know the Mentor had gun pods. Pretty rare I'm sure.

PC

[AURktman]

Double post, sorry...

Even your empty double posts have educational value. You're doing a mighty fine job!

[sdennison]

Gun pod is not 30 cal but actually NATO 7.62. So, I got time today to finish the access hatch door.



The door closing flange was assembled prior to the complete pod, I found out and could not be fitted as one piece. So I cut it in half but didn't like the saw kerf gap so I made a third piece to make it look better, I think anyway. Hope the customers will like. I'm happy with the outcome. Aside: I got my HP/Complex in this aircraft, no guns... Stainless hinge...

[AURktman]

.30 cal in a 30-06 or .308 sense? I am assuming .308/7.62 NATO. Your work looks fantastic to me! I'm certain they will be pleased.

[sdennison]

I think 308 is the equivalent for 7.62mm, so you would be correct, Sir.

[sdennison]

Finally got it home. Won't believe this story. Found the Dialarc HF welder and this Enco mill through a friend. The owner passed away before ever using them. Bought in, ready? 1991 and never hooked up. The house was 16,800 sq ft of Swiss Chalet. Indooor 16 x 32 pool, wine cellar, hand made arched doors, unreal. So, without a sky hook, how do I get the mill out? Made a rolling pallet andby dropping the head stock and moving the table side to side numerous times, negotiated the door way and garage. Roll off tow truck with a smart driver and off we went.

Oh, happy happy! Pullmax P6 next. Found through another old friend reconnected. I gotta get out more. Five minutes away, shipping free! Big time score. Somebody is watching over me right now. These tools lay the ground work for the future.

[Steven M. Dennis]

Awesome acquisition there Scott! Congratulations. Can't wait to see what magic you perform with that monster.

Steve

[AURktman]

Outstanding find!

[sdennison]

Fixture time.

[sdennison]

Fixture time side 3. This gives me three sides of the structure located and should now be good to start assembling the new bits. All "CMM" dimensions will be good reference and check points along the way.