Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Scratchbuilding firewall tips?
I am trying to form my firewall. I have made the form according to the plans. However it looks like the forming process is going to be a little different than that of forming the ribs.
From what I have been able to tell from looking on mykitlog.com, for example, it looks like forming the flanges on the firewall is going to be a bit more of a free hand process. The basic shape is started using the form, but after that it seems like it is a combination of hammer, fluting pliers and hand seamer.
Can anyone provide any further details on the firewall forming process?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Carlos Sa on
-
Hello, Damon
It's been a while since I made my firewall... From what I can remember, it was pretty similar to the ribs. I was surprised at how easy it was to bend the steel.
There was a spot (bottom corners) where the crimps are quire pronounced, but that was the only thing out of the ordinary.
Good luck
-
Permalink Reply by Damon Brantley on
-
The easy forming of the steel is what has me confused. With 6061-T6 I am used to seeing about 15 degrees of springback. With the steel it turned out to be about 3 degrees. This means with even no bevel added, I would overbend several areas of the firewall if I just hammed all the way like I would with a beveled rib form.
-
Permalink Reply by Todd Scruton on
-
I formed one out of titanium that someone here was nice enough to donate to my build. For that application I ended up drilling around the perimeter and folding up an inch or better at a time. Obviously for steel you can do it with fluting pliers, hammer, and block. I do still have the template made out of rosin paper if you would like it.
-
-
Thanks for the offer but I already have a plywood form made up. I think the plan will be to hammer the flanges up to about 60 degrees and work the rest of the way with fluting pliers, hammer and block as you have done.
New from Zenith:
Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Builder & Pilot Supplies:
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero.
Powered by
