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Wing rib jigs accuracy - Transferring plans to wood

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Joined
Dec 27, 2023
Messages
24
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9
Location
Uk
Hi all.

I've just started a Skybolt build in the UK and am going to ask a few real newbie questions over the coming weeks so thanks in advance for any support. I'd also like to check this is the right tread for any 'general' build questions? I couldn't see a general area where I felt this fitted, so am posting here under the Skybolt thread.

I have started building my wing rib jigs. The process I've used is to trace the full scale rib plans, then place this over the wooden board which will be my jig base, then use a circular stencil to draw 5mm holes for jig pin locations. I've then drilled these using a hand power tool drill and glued metal pins into the locations. See photos attached.

My concern is the accuracy of the result, as when I've started to lay my 1/4 capping strip into the jig there is some play in the these wood strips' location (as opposed to being firmly held by the pins) caused by small inaccuracies in the pin locations. I'm only talking a couple of mm max, but I'm presuming I should be aiming for absolute accuracy where possible! Particularly as I'll just be storing up problems for when I come to fit the ribs to the spar and get good alignment etc.

Could anyone share any advice on how to improve the accuracy in my process? Is this an acceptable process I just need to be more careful!? Or how others have built their jigs? I also wondered what techniques everyone used to transfer plans to wood as I will also need to do this to get the correct shapes cut for the leading edge section of the rib.

Many thanks,

Chip
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