Elevator (Page 5)

CAUTION WHEN ROLLING THE LEADING EDGES OF THE ELEVATORS!  I found this to be the most difficult task to date.  I started by using the edge-rolling tool to put a slight bend on the edge:

This will allow the skins to lay flush against one another. When taping the skin to the pipe make sure the tape is lengthwise and it covers every section of the pipe.  You will also want to place the pipe on the tape equidistant all along the edge.  This will help ensure that the bend radius remains relatively close along the length of the piece.

When I rolled the first piece, I did not use enough tape and the piece was not placed evenly.  This created an uneven bend, which I got the bright idea to "fix" by using the hand seamers.  This created little creases all along the length of the bend (don't do it).  You can see the shadows created by the creases.

It works best to finish the bend by hand if it does not come out well with the pipe.  You will want to take extra care to ensure that there is not too much stress prior to pop-riveting, as it could lead to cracking.

When going to install the rod-end bearings, the "Gator-grip" socket worked great.  It conforms to the shape of just about anything and can be had for $15 at Home Depot.