A stab in the dark and nutplates

I can't tell you how cold it is in Angaston at the moment. I moved the heater into the shed and made a little progress on the vertical stabilizer last night.

I final drilled some holes in the front spar as directed, then moved to my first experience of countersinking for flush rivets in the rear spar. It's pleasing to report that all went well and another skill is learned. Immediately I got more practice at this with more countersinking in the spar caps and in the front spar. I (carefully) did these using the deburring bit given that a number of them were tight against the flanges and the countersinking tool would not have fitted.

I then riveted the left and right upper spar caps to the rear spar. Note to self -take more photos so this will make more sense! This was followed by the riveting of nutplates to the rear and front spars. We need to have a word about nutplates, they look like this and provide a fixing place for screws or bolts:

 

I'm struggling to develop any affection for nutplates. It's probably my technique but for me just now they are a right pain in the a..e. Hopefully practice and experience will ease the pain. I see there are plenty more to come. Onwards and upwards.

The rest of the session was consumed by preparing parts for riveting ribs to the spars. This involved radiusing some corners, much deburring of all edges and holes and some fluting to straighten ribs. These parts are now ready for riveting.