![]() |
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Hello again and thanks to everyone who gave suggestions on my search
for which aircraft to build. My shop is ready and I'm buying materials this week to kick things off. I've got some questions on how to properly prepare and work with the aluminum I use in constructing my plane. First: I know I need to sand/finish the cuts and holes I make on the 6061-T6 stock I use. The question is to what level. I know rough edges are points of stress and should be removed. The question is what is considered "rough?" Like to what grit size sandpaper to work my way up to? Steel wool at the end? I ask because the thousands of tiny scratches that even fine sandpaper leaves could still be called a rough edge in some context. Second: From what I read - the aluminum I use will be anodized which is a process I know a little about - enough to know that any place it gets drilled or cut will leave an un-anodized surface exposed to the elements. What is the "Proper" way to protect these places? If it matters - my plane will be stored in North Florida approximately 20 miles from the ocean so there won't be constant salt-spray involved, but I do envision flights along the beach etc and I also have a large fresh-water lake near my house that would make a great airport for my eventually pontoon-equipped plane. Lastly: What is the 'ideal' 3/8" drill bit and cutting lube to use for drilling 6061-T6 in .125" plate and 2" square x .125" tubing? There are only a few sizes that I'll be using on this project so I'm interested in a "cost is no object" brand/type that would be best. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|