The last couple of evenings I managed to spend a couple of hours deburring parts for the left elevator. The ribs are thin and intricate, and the most time consuming part, but progress is being made.
To debur holes, I’m using a deburring tool with a countersink bit, and the edge removal tool for all edges. For tight corners like those between flanges, I’m using a set of small files, one round and one flat. Then as a final step I’m using scotch brite to smooth out all edges and holes as needed.
I did manage to damage a rib when I made a stupid mistake. To remove some excess aluminum left over from when I separated the ribs, I tried using the scotch brite wheel. It did a great job, but also removed a bunch from the adjacent edge, which I didn’t notice in time. Another part replacement order, $5 from Vans.
In other news, my replacement rear spar arrived, along with some tank sealant that I need to secure the trailing edges.
I’m heading to San Diego for work, but will be back for the weekend.
One tool worth having is a flapper disc that fits on an angle grinder or could be adapted to fit onto a bench grinder.
I think it would be great for removing the small bits of material from the parts