Aeronut
Registered User
Kittery, ME
1934A, the overall idea is to start with a flat table and then build it in the upright position from there. They recommend beginning with the firewall sub assembly and then drawing and using reference lines on the flat table to assemble from there. The key is to have a fixed reference lines and work from there. Also, assembly may be done in halves.
Cleaning - Wipe off any excess oil or protective coating from the outside and inside of the tube. Use a Scotch-Brite pad to remove and expose bare metal. Wipe with acetone. (I'll have to give this a try. I've had the best finish with a 120 grit flap disk but haven't tried Scoth-Brite.)
Welding - VR3 is pretty clear, their tubes are notched to fit well. A gap indicates a mistake with assembly and should be addressed. Tack welds to hold as much structure as possible together. This allows you to confirm assembly and dimensions prior to final welding.
Like with all things, I get the impression that time spent on preparation and ensuring accurate measurements from the start on the table will be time very well spent. I imagine I'm going to spend a fair amount of time just setting up my assembly welding table. Since my work space is used for other things I'll probably build it on casters so that I can move it to the side. Fundamentally it must be rigid.
Cleaning - Wipe off any excess oil or protective coating from the outside and inside of the tube. Use a Scotch-Brite pad to remove and expose bare metal. Wipe with acetone. (I'll have to give this a try. I've had the best finish with a 120 grit flap disk but haven't tried Scoth-Brite.)
Welding - VR3 is pretty clear, their tubes are notched to fit well. A gap indicates a mistake with assembly and should be addressed. Tack welds to hold as much structure as possible together. This allows you to confirm assembly and dimensions prior to final welding.
Like with all things, I get the impression that time spent on preparation and ensuring accurate measurements from the start on the table will be time very well spent. I imagine I'm going to spend a fair amount of time just setting up my assembly welding table. Since my work space is used for other things I'll probably build it on casters so that I can move it to the side. Fundamentally it must be rigid.