I've determined that the damaged holes on the forward spar cannot be salvaged. So, today I completely removed the forward spar (without any additional damage to the assembly, it's worth noting). Next, I'll inspect the laser-cut forward spar I have on the shelf to see if it will be a suitable replacement after final-size drilling all of the holes, and I'll order the bracket that mounts to the inboard rib. Today's session was 2.2 hours. *Subscribe to you podcast on YouTube!: https://youtube.com/@WeAreNotExpertsAirplanePodcast?si=_Xfu_OpLA8JUgIaU *'We are NOT Experts: An Airplane Building Podcast'. Check it out here! https://open.spotify.com/show/5YMPgvvotNgg5Ouu1akcsg Also available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-are-not-experts-an-airplane-building-podcast/id1787080312 About 2.2 hours total in the Gilbertson Aero Factory today. This work was performed on 1/26/2025 *If you'd like to hear my thoughts on the _laser cut parts debacle of 2023_, click here:* https://youtu.be/ZBJFUDFoQQw *If you haven't seen my _comprehensive_ tools video, check it out here!:* https://youtu.be/k3dE1g-F1RA *TOOLS & WORKSHOP GOODIES* Acetone wash bottle - https://amzn.to/3Xhe22p Milbar safety wire pliers - https://amzn.to/3CH9eKp Safety wire (.032) - https://amzn.to/42OZGaW Tube bender - https://amzn.to/42UWomm Wireless borescope - https://amzn.to/3PofXAr Digital scale - https://amzn.to/3Xljema Self-etching primer - https://amzn.to/46dGdmW Popsicle sticks - https://amzn.to/3NlOWe6 Fly cutter - https://amzn.to/3NAzI6t Metal bandsaw blade (62") - https://amzn.to/3NCm96E Torque seal - https://amzn.to/3JpqPtV Foam cutter - https://amzn.to/42PynwT Center punch set - https://amzn.to/46dGrdM Drill stop set - https://amzn.to/466IGQ6 Torque wrench - https://amzn.to/42R3EzL Locking caster wheels - https://amzn.to/3pmv7LM Boelube lubricant - https://amzn.to/43QLhw1 Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians - https://amzn.to/46kD8lc Dead blow hammer - https://amzn.to/42R3Wql California Air Tools compressor - https://amzn.to/3NGeMLA Tungsten bucking bar - https://amzn.to/449Hh9D Center finding ruler - https://amzn.to/3P0rcyi Leveling caster wheels - https://amzn.to/3XjacpF Nylon vise jaws - https://amzn.to/3NixLdx Cordless screwdriver - https://amzn.to/3NkEkw6 Flange yoke - https://shorturl.at/iHMNV No-hole yoke - https://shorturl.at/qAFLZ Angle drill attachment - https://shorturl.at/itKRY Disc and belt sander - https://amzn.to/3ped4Yh Pop rivet gun - https://amzn.to/43QWnRC Heat gun - https://amzn.to/3CGfq5s Wood shims - https://amzn.to/3Pvf8pk 6" benchtop buffer - https://amzn.to/3CBa1wq AN bolt gauge - https://shorturl.at/wyMW0 Rivet fan - https://shorturl.at/dzIL2 Digital angle finder - https://amzn.to/3Nlthmz 12" combo square/ruler - https://amzn.to/43NJzeJ 6" ruler (64ths increments) - https://amzn.to/3CC9iLc Digital calipers - https://amzn.to/3CC01mH Edge marker block - https://shorturl.at/kpyT0 Oregon chainsaw files - https://amzn.to/3QzcqQl 15,000 BTU portable A/C - https://amzn.to/3OUdSve Eye Wash Station - https://amzn.to/3P2dlaJ Close-quarter rivet pulling tool - https://www.cleavelandtool.com/products/close-quarter-rivet-pulling-wedge *BOOKS* Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians - https://amzn.to/46kD8lc *PLANS* EAA Chapter 1000 Worktables plans - https://shorturl.at/nAHSZ #vansaircraft #homebuiltaircraft #cleavelandaircrafttools #aircraftspruce

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