Empenage construction
Rudder
Rudder spar cut to length
Rudder jig complete
Rudder ribs drawn
Notching square tube for counter balance
Almost perfect fit!
Awaiting final grinding to size!
Rudder jig with most pieces in place. Practice rib at the top was cut 1/16th too long, but thats why its practice!
Cut the ribs out with some room to spare, then ground down on a bench grinder to specified dimensions
Ribs bent on small brake, took some time to get used to but with practice can yield good bends with a controllable radius.
2 down, 3 to go. Each rib takes about an hour to go from flat plate to final product.
All ribs complete. Time for the hinges and rudder horn, then on to welding!