Matt’s RV7 Build Log

Tasks Completed: 

• Matched drilled and deburred holes for F704 A,B,C,D parts.

Tasks Completed:

• Finished drilling stiffeners and gussets to firewall
• Drilled spacers, doubler and L/R F601J
• Disassembled firewall structure for deburring and countersinking

Tasks Completed:  

• Deburred all the left elevator parts
• Match drilled servo mount brakets to coverplate

NOTE: The measurement in Drawing 5 for the edge distance for the outboard servo bracket was off by about 1/32″. After checking on VAF, I found a number of folks with the same comment. I shifted my mark and drilled the coverplate.

Tonight I researched whether to dimple or countersink the E702 for riveting the E709 rib in place. It seems even though the instructions explicitly state to countersink, most everyone dimples both parts because it’s much easier and in an inherently stronger bond.

• Dimpled E702 and 709
• Deburred E702 and 709 

Note 1: I cut my spare micro-countersink cage down so that it would center over the outside holes at the end of the 702 spar and still clear the flange. I didn’t end up using it as I decided to dimple this part instead. I am sure though this will come in handy on tight spots in the future. Note 2: The price of getting the cage cut down is that I most likely ruined my bandsaw blade. 

–Deburred left elevator

–Continued deburring and scuffing rudder parts

A lot of other things are going to get in the way of building this summer. Family vacations and Work are the biggest things on the horizon.Luckily I am still planning on flying to Oshkosh in July with my buddy Greg from Valley Fliers.That should be very motivating for the build.  

–Started deburring and scuffing rudder skeleton parts