[rebel-builders] Builders tip for cutting fuel tank stringer

[Eric Fogelin]

I'm not sure which items caused me more frustration, the fuel tank brackets
or the angles for the floor channels. I used my wife's jeweler's saw to cut
the J shapes in the fuel tank brackets. Days later, they came out perfect.

Unfortunately for me, I discovered the dremel far too late in life or in the
Murphy construction. The dremel may look like a late night TV ad tool, but
it is the next best invention after...canned beer?

The dremel is a mandatory tool for ALL airplane construction: wood, aluminum
or fiberglass.

They should give the dremel drill away for free because over time you will
spend a fortune on the different bits. But, it's worth it.

Eric
Elite N645E Amphib

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Tim
Hickey
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6:39 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: [rebel-builders] Builders tip for cutting fuel tank stringer
cutouts.

I have spent the last two days (not all day, thank God) working on cutting
those little brackets that surround the wing stringers where they penetrate
the tank. I tried multiple methods to cut the proper size cutout for the
stringer, and wasn't too happy with the results.

What I found that works best for me is a thing called a rod saw. It is a
thin rod covered with tungsten carbide grit, and is intended to be put into
a hacksaw frame for cutting most anything. I bought it years ago to cut
ceramic tile, but never used it until tonight. It works well, after a little

practice to learn how to guide it, and the width of the cut is just right
for the stringer.

Mine is made by Rule Industries, Inc, South Deerfield, MA, and on the front

of the display package it is labeled "REMGRIT" Rod Saw, 12 inch. Item
number GG12BL.

By the way, I had really planned on going down to Sun n Fun for a couple of
days this week, but I found out at the last minute that they charge campers
for a full week camping, even if they only camp two days. I wrote them a
nice email telling them that my common sense would not permit me to pay $100

for the privilege of sleeping on the ground two nights. So far they have not

counter-offered.

I really wanted to go to the Lycoming tent and see that new IO-233 that is
supposed to be available late 09.

I can wait for OSH 09.

Tim Hickey
R808





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