To build a wing jig or not?

RudiGreyling · #1 04-25-2005, 01:57 AM

Hi guys,

I'm starting with planning for building my RV7 wings, and was talking to a couple of people to understand if I should "Jig 'em wings or not?". A lot of people say yes and no with pros and cons on a RV7 wing jig. Many say its not required on the 7 with matching holes!

I would love to hear your take on this and please refer to model i.e. RV7 and say why!!

Thanks

Captain_John · #2 04-25-2005, 04:08 AM

I just got 'em, ready to skin this past weekend. Jig it up! It aint hard. Plus, it is a really convenient way to hold them while you rivet.

Do it up!

CJ

Mel · #3 04-25-2005, 05:57 AM

Yes. Jig the wings. I've done it both ways and having the wings in a jig is MUCH easier.
Mel...DAR

flybill7 · #4 04-25-2005, 01:31 PM

Hi Rudi,

I just finished my RV-7 wings except for the bottom skins.

I went with the jig for a number of reasons. First, the instructions and plans tell you to do it so I did. Secondly, it makes it easy to work on the wing: deburring, dimpling, riveting, etc. Finally, I'm paranoid about wing twist, so I did everything I could to prevent it from happening. It only took me a weekend to get the materials together and build the wing jig, and I'm not a particularly fast builder. All in all, why not build it, what does it hurt?

I have a little twist in one of my flaps, despite the spar and skins being matched punched -- and I used a little jig too -- so it is possible to have twist in a matched punched kit despite what is said.

RudiGreyling · #5 04-26-2005, 05:12 AM

Wow 3 'yes' and 0 'no',
Thanks guys...Any other nice wing jig tips and photos appreciated.

Captain_John:
Interesting looking support you got in the middle of your wings, what is that? and do you have a closer picture?

How did you attach your uprights to your 'epoxy' painted floor, since I need to do the same on my 'epoxy' floor?

How do you guys support the tops of the uprights?

Thanks

szicree · #6 04-26-2005, 09:33 AM

My jig was for one wing at a time. I simply ran two vertical 4x4's from floor to rafter. They attached to the rafters with lag bolts and to the floor with those hardware store sheet metal things. I'm not sure what they're called, but they're designed to attach to a 4x4 with screws and they have one big hole to attach to the floor. I used a bolt with a concrete anchor to attach to the floor. When all done I used a bit of concrete patch to fill the two holes. Oh, and you'll want some sort of prop under the center prevent sag. I used a jackstand and some shims.

Captain_John · #7 04-26-2005, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greylingr

Wow 3 'yes' and 0 'no',
Thanks guys...Any other nice wing jig tips and photos appreciated.

Captain_John:
Interesting looking support you got in the middle of your wings, what is that? and do you have a closer picture?

How did you attach your uprights to your 'epoxy' painted floor, since I need to do the same on my 'epoxy' floor?

How do you guys support the tops of the uprights?

Thanks

OK, First things first...

The thing in the middle is a double stacked 2x6 with a piece of angle on it called B-Line. I am an Electrician (actually now I teach Electricity) and that brand of angle is prevalent in my trade. You can use any angle you have available.

The next thing is how it attaches to the ceiling:

Here, I slammed another hunk of angle against the ceiling and the other side connects to my loft:

cont'd

Captain_John · #8 04-26-2005, 07:25 PM

The rest of the message:

The bottoms are plastic anchored to the concrete and barring an unforseen earthquake, it should be ok.

Here is a shot of the back side ot the jig, where the spars rest on the angle:

How is that for pictures!?!

CJ

P.S. Doug, why does the BBS limit the number of pics I can post in one reply? Dunno if I am liking that feature yet?

N941WR · #9 04-26-2005, 09:29 PM

Yes, go with the jig. If nothing else it just makes the wings easier to work on.

On the Things to Consider page of my web site I described how I built my simple jig and showed how I kept it "square" with simple adjustable feet that never did need adjusting after they were set.

Good luck!

RudiGreyling · #10 04-28-2005, 01:55 AM

Hi John,

Thanx, those pictures are fantastic, this is what makes this forum great! PICTURES!

The "thing in the middle" I was referig to is your "jack" to keep the middle from sagging, what is it? Looks like a threaded gadget to support the middle?

Thank you.
Regards
Rudi