First Actual Build Step - Horizontal Stabilizer

The first build step in the manual is to put together the horizontal stabilizer so I figured I’d start there. The process involves reaming holes, shaping the wooden ribs, and then bonding those ribs into place.

Some things I wish I knew before I started:

• Grind the end the holes on the leading edge of the tail are incredibly hard to get to grind the end of your reamer so that it can fit into a socket. Then use a universal joint to allow for a drill to be used to drill a hole. This would have saved me hours and this trick comes up again frequently.

• Get at least spring clams pony clamps to hold ribs in place and two 2 ft scrap pieces of 2x4 to prop up the horizontal stab portion.

• Try to avoid grinding the leading edge of the ribs to get them to fit. Just grind the trailing edge.

• Use a syringe to apply the Hysol, and make nice filleted corners.

• Clean up sloppy Hysol applications with denatured alcohol before you let it dry.

• Keep a close eye on the stiffeners as they may fall over or lean.