Jig number 2

[VCS1]

Hello,
As someone who is trying to "create" my own jig, I was wondering where you got your "design intent". You seem to have really thought the process through, I was wondering what you modeled your jig from, the factory or your own design? (Or posssibly the repair jig in the Boeing SRM?)

For example here is a Boeing jig:



And here is a "after market jig":



Are you using CAD/3D Modeling Software to create the jig before construction?

Here is another "after market" jig design using CAD:



And the finished product:



Thank you for posting your hard work, this looks like a well planned effort!

[DryMartini]

The jigs look first rate! But the question I have is how the frames are going to be kept in alignment during construction. What I'm trying to say is how are the frame going to be kept perpendicular to the fuselage centerline and also centered on the fuselage centerline? I've seen lots of projects in jigs (fixtures) but never clues about frame alignment. Could someone expand on this?

The basic answer you the question is that the jig keeps the frames
aligned.

The jig is designed to keep the bulkheads and longerons in a set
location, X inches from some set of points. They are then
bolted/attached to the jig, which keeps them stationary. There
will be other fitting on the jig to keep ribs and stringers aligned too.
As long as the jig is beefy enough (doesn't deform - and believe
me, the jig Ray made is pure beef), the frames and longerons
will be riveted together in the positions Boeing intended them to be.

[hang the expense]

It would seem Boeing was not that concerned with aligning bulkheads with a fixture.The used the skins which were pre drilled and a grease pencil to mark centerline of the flange of the bulkhead.That set fore and aft really close and the verticle alignment was addressed by the skins.Plates at the various stations will take care of the bulkeads.(Oh and make them easily removable to work around) Clear as mudd huh? I have seen parts on B-17s that dont mirror left and right when the should and on rebuilds thats OK but if you are building from new you should try to get left and right to be as close as possible.Because of the length of the fuseelage fixture the climate in the fixture area will need to be maintained year round to avoid changes in length.I learned this the hard way.

[VCS1]

Hello,
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have some questions regarding jig design. While I am not building a B-17, I am trying to build a fighter from the 1930's...the Seversky/Republic P-35A.

I would like to build a copy of this forward fuselage jig:



I know that several "top" warbird rebuilders frequent this forum. I respect and admire your perspective in how you approached B-17 and other restorations in the past. I appreciate your input to my question. Private replies can be sent to david@P-35.com

[Lucky 13]

Here are some updated photos

[aerovin2]

They look magnificent. Is the curved piece in the center for the keel, or whatever the center piece on the fuselage is called?

[DryMartini]

Scott,
Yes, that is the "Keel", which runs at the 6 O'Clock position under the cockpit and nose sections.

[hang the expense]

Hey Lucky,When you start hanging parts in the fixture please let me know so I can buy stock in Lowes lumber because of all the levels of scaffolding you're gonna need.You need to come look at the parts I have made and we can talk trade.By the way how long is that keel beem?

[Lucky 13]

I have the upper longeron bracket in place it is just behind station #1 it took some time to siffer it out because it has two
angles that you have to deal with.Hope by the end of the week I will have the two upper longerons in place

[Lucky 13]

If you look real close you can almost see a B17 F. Here are a few more photos of some late night work on the jig

[Lucky 13]

Sold the jig to Don Brooks last week. Disassemble it and deliver it Saturday. Me and Chuck Giese reassemble it for Don and all of the other guys and ladys that will be working on Don"s 2nd B17.I will be starting soon on jig number 3 for Lucky 13

[TAdan]

Good work! Thanks for helping to lead the way for getting another Fort restored.

[DryMartini]

Pictures of Jig #2 down at its' new home in Georgia. Notice the toys in the background?

[KnockoutDropper]

Any updates on your B-17F project, Lucky? Or have you been busy with other folks' Forts?

[Lucky 13]

I have been busy on both,getting parts new and old for lucky 13 and working on other's. I will be starting a new post on Lucky 13 and one for Bruce Oriss 's B17 44-83316 what is left of it to be built back as a static.