01 July 2014

Empennage: Elevators. Counterweights cut.

The elevator counterweights have been cut.  They're composed of lead, so it's prudent to wear latex gloves.  Even though the primary vectors for its toxic effect are ingestion and inhalation, keeping it off your skin helps reduce the chances it will find a way into your mouth.  A mask is smart too when cutting.

Cutting lead was no big deal.  I just went very slow on the band saw with my blade.  It caused a lot of heat, so I had to stop periodically to let it cool down.  Will need to inspect the blade to see if I need to replace it.  In the end, it took 1 hour and 57 minutes to cut the counterweights to size.  Later, when the horizontal stab and elevator are mounted, the weights will be finely adjusted by drilling holes in them to ensure the elevators are neutral and balanced.


The elevators rest awaiting the curling of their leading edges and the resolution of the trim servo travel issue.

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