Baffle trimming done!
The final thing to do on the baffle trimming was the front bulkheads. In the post I read, it was suggested to leave these off to make it easier to mark the other baffles. I’m not sure that was really necessary. It was easy to mark and trim them, though. The access to the front bulkheads is really good.
With the trimming finally done, I could complete a few other tasks. I fabricated the angles that reinforce the back left corner of the baffles where the oil cooler mounts. My first attempt at the diagonal angle didn’t go up high enough, so I made another. I’ve gotten pretty good at quickly whipping up various aluminum parts. The band saw and deburring wheel are my friends.
The reinforcements needed at this corner is not exactly clear from the plans. The oil cooler drawing shows the spacer, but not the angle. The baffle drawing shows the angle but not the spacer. I put both in, as I figured it couldn’t hurt. The spacer is definitely needed otherwise the two sides of the baffle don’t meet correctly.
I also started to contemplate the location of the oil cooler. I want it as high as possible, but I don’t want it to interfere with the cowl or baffle seal.