August 22, 2005 - Fuselage Bulkheads

OK, it's time for the fun part -- riveting everything together.  I started on the F-710 because it is easy.  Just rivet the angle reinforcer to the top edge.  I prefer using the gun on 4-4 rivets as opposed to the squeezer so I just clamped her in and started shooting.
Then I did the F-708 which is just a matter of four rivets in the top center and four rivets in the bottom center.  I squeezed these because I thought it would be easier.  I probably could have used the gun just as well.
Next was the F-707.  Again, just riveting the center top and the center bottom.  You have to leave the top two rivet holes open for some reason.  I don't question it, I just follow the instructions.  You can see in this picture how flimsy the 707 is.  That's because there is no flange on the inner edge. 
The F-712 is different from the other bulkheads in that it uses AN426 3-3.5 flush rivets.  I countersunk the aft side.  I realized after the fact that I could have dimpled the holes.  Oh well, too late now.  Having worked with the AN 470 4 rivets, the 3s seem easy. 
Riveting the F-711.  When the two back-to-back bulkheads and reinforcer bars are put together, this is a pretty substantial structure.  The angle and bottom most holes don't get riveted until later.
F-711 complete!
 
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