Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (2.0 hrs)

Finished Step 4 on Sect 8-8:  Machine Countersunk #40 holes on 2 Stringers for dimples on skin (same as for 2 Spars).   Scuffed, cleaned with Acetone, then primed with #7720 Napa self etching Primer.   All 21 parts (Nose Ribs, Inspar Ribs, and Inboard Ribs) plus 2 Stringers.
I've refined my priming technique.  For these parts, only scuffed the areas that I've "worked" with tools or grinder, etc.   That leaves the untouched Alclad un-primed.  Only sprayed flanges and edges.
Saves time, weight, and $.     It seems unnecessary to scuff perfectly good Alclad surfaces, only to then prime.    Plus, experience with some pieces with a light coating of this self etching primer demonstrated to me how effectively it adheres to otherwise unprepped surfaces.  No peeling, even with moderate scratching.  Tough stuff !