Need to know how to bend metal
 

Hello, I am building a small airplane and have become aware of all the bending , shaping, forming required to do a really nice job. Would like to hang out here and learn from some people who know how to do it. :) I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Ken.

Welcome to allmetalshaping Ken.

David

Hi Ken and welcome!:)

The EAA has numerous publications and videos on sheetmetal work for aircraft. There is a HUGE difference between what you can do with metal for automobiles and what you can do with metal for aircraft. Most aluminum used in automobile construction is way too "soft" for a/c work.

One simple rule is NO MARKING WITH A PENCIL on aircraft aluminum panels. Guaranteed stress riser and inspection failure.

Hi Ken welcome to the forum
Peter

Ken -- welcome.

Lots of great folks on this board, who are fantastic is teaching things to a noob, like me. :D

My plane has turned into a long term project. 2024-T3 0.032 is not fun to form. That lower bend is a radius around the tube. There will be another panel, but was attempting a round lower form rather thank boxed. I'm using a pine mallet (2x4) for forming duty.

What are you building?

Building a plane
 

I am building a small airplane called a Sonerai 2 LTS. It is about the smallest least expensive "real" small airplane a person can build. The fuselage is chromoly tubing and the wings are 2024 t3 alumimum. It is a big learning experience. Thanks to everyone for the help !

Nice plane.

My Bearhawk 4 place is same construction. 4130 fuselage, 0.025" 2024 T3 Wings. Biggest thing I run into is 'oh I should have welded a tab here or there' for another panel. I'm to the point if I don't have a tab, time for an AN742 clamp. :D

Don't over look Tony Bengilis trick of 2024 fairings. He would bend a big sheet by hand, then trim the best fitting section for a nice looking fairing.

Shaping metal
 

Its all great fun. Since I started this project I have learned an awful lot about metal working just by watching Youtube ! The information that is available now is unbelievable . In the old days a person would never have access to any of it unless he was an apprentice ! When I was growing up all we had was a black and white tv with 2 channels ! :p

Hi ken welcome to the forum
Peter