I know it’s not popular to discuss Big Box Store purchases for airplane work in public, but since almost everyone actually does it (even though they won’t admit it), here’s my latest!
Anyone that has “curled” the leading edge of an RV-type rudder or elevator knows that you are supposed to use some sort of pipe or rod fastened to the edge (often depicted with duct tape) and then somehow lever it around in a curve. The F1 Rocket build manual shows a clever way to do this using a 1” aluminum tube, clecos through the eventual rivet holes, and screwdrivers as handles. I liked the idea, but didn’t want to spend what it cost to order a 1” aluminum tube, four feet long (the shipping cost will kill you!) from the usual parts suppliers. So I went to Home Depot looking for a substitute.
One-inch iron pipe was going to be a pain to drill for the clecos. Copper tubing would have required applying for a mortgage. PVC didn’t seem stiff enough. And then I walked down the cleaning aisle and found a broom with an aluminum handle for $9.99. And next to it was a broom/squeegee/painting handle alone for a dollar less – aluminum, 1” tubing!
Well score! Took it home, cut off the ends, and voilà—my new edge rolling tool was ready to go. Just goes to show a “finished” product can be butchered for less cost than the raw materials… sometimes.
