Hinge Surface
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 Trim and hinge (when hard)

a.     The Mylars should release easily and you are left with a oversize TE. If this is still flexible/rubbery leave the unit a bit longer as working on it like this allows you to put finger dents and dings into it.
Stab11 raw from Mylars.jpg (22169 bytes)  Fin5 raw from Mylars.jpg (17472 bytes)

b.       When it’s hard you can simply trim the TE with a sharp knife.   
Trim the TE.JPG (39224 bytes)  

c.      The hinge is a bit more fun. First cut the open side, trying just to cut the skin. Then do a second skin cut a couple of mm farther back (I like to mask the area and draw lines to make this a bit less hit and miss). Now check the reverse side. If you are like me the first cut was too deep and you can see a mark on the back of the hinge skin. Either way gently extend the first cut till you touch the skin hinge (Gentle pressure on the tail to open the joint will allow you to feel the knife hitting the far skin). Go gentle and take it slow and easy.
Fin5 TE Trimmed and masked for hinge.jpg (18440 bytes)   First Hinge Cut.JPG (44877 bytes)   Fin5 with 2 skin cuts.jpg (26664 bytes)   Fin5 Now cut full depth holding open.jpg (27885 bytes)

d.       Now the hinge side will have a mark and you can “sand” a hinge line with a straight edge and a Dremel cut off wheel. I like to use the heavy duty wheel as it is thicker and so not as easy to actually cut the cloth with. Take your time and gentle pressure. You will feel when the wheel hits Kevlar, it “sticks” as you move it along, where as it was gliding over the epoxy layer. Just hitting the Kevlar is far enough.
Cut off disk for hingeing.JPG (28743 bytes)   Fin5 Sand back of hinge line.jpg (28814 bytes)

e.      Now open the Hinge right up (so that both surfaces are touching). Use a fresh blade to cut a triangle from the second cut to the hinge line.
Fin5 Fold back rudder.jpg (26989 bytes)   Fin5 Start to trim triangle.jpg (28713 bytes)   Fin5 trim triangle.jpg (29796 bytes)

f.        Finally sand the inside faces and hinge line gently.
 

g.    The hinge should now be free enough to hang down under it’s own weight.
Fin5 hang right.jpg (30212 bytes)   Fin5 hang left.jpg (26434 bytes)

The end result sitting on the scales
Fin5 finished on scales.jpg (22423 bytes)

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