Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Now we're gettin' somewhere...

[ROTECH]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Back on track brother!! Thats the way to stick to it...Mine would have ended up in the firepit!

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

First side panel epoxied up...

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

With some table saw black magic I made some little wedge pieces, these I epoxied in to take up the space between the side walls and the vertical pieces of the bracing structure...

[Dabspok]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

I'm new here so I hope I can contribute some thing helpful.

West Systems epoxy can be ordered:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../westepoxy.php
about $45 qt kit. $125 gallon kit

http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Prod...tml#West-Epoxy
$49 qt kit, $121 gallon kit
Both are west coast companies and I have ordered from them both and had great service.

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

After failing to get the 1/8" plywood to bend :rolleyes:... I decided to use some 1/8" styrene we had lying around the shop... west system epoxy applied to both surfaces with a roller, and lots of countersunk screw holes... the screws will stay... the clamps were to alleviate whatever gapping I could on the top and bottom edges...

[djkest]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

What a struggle! In some ways, it reminds me of my journey on the Mandolin project. Obstacle after obstacle appears, but patience, persistance, and spending money $$ eventually overcome those obstacles. I heard someone say that "a great craftsman has the ability not to do everything perfect, but to minimize and overcome their mistakes" or something to that effect.

Think of how much sweeter it's going to be when you finally get this project done and get to listen to it.

[cwad8505]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

I was just thinking about these earlier.. Lunch, any progress?

Chris

[lunchmoney]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Lost motivation on these for a while, but I'm back.

Braces for the endcaps in place.




In order to ensure some gap filling, I mixed some powdered sand with West System Epoxy. Not what West System recommends (they recommend their own ridiculously expensive thickeners), but I did a test and it works great.




Endcaps clamped up




Feels good to get back into these. Been through a lot of crap in my life in the last year, and at one point I almost threw these in the trash because the pressure to complete them was getting to me. Glad I didn't.

More pix soon...

[mzisserson]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Welcome back man! They look great. Glad you didn't trash them and are picking up where left off. That is the best part of this hobby: It can wait.

[PWR RYD]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

That is the best part of this hobby: It can wait.

So true!

[WernerM]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Man lunch, I am very impressed, and I too have shop envy... ;):p:D

Glad you didn't give up, these will be impressive, and when complete you will marvel for years at the struggles you overcame to finish them.

[scottq]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Looking good! Excited to see more...

[BeerParty]

Re: Build Thread: The Bombers (SR71's become 3-ways)

Lost motivation on these for a while, but I'm back.

Yea! Lunchmoney's back in the saddle again!

Good to see work on these continue.