Thats some nice CAD

We waterjet our spitfire frames.Five sheets of 2024 later with all lightening holes longeron cutouts and rivet hole centres.Took under a day to cut and a couple more to debur and polish edges.Hammerformed up beautifully.
With historic aircraft yes there has to be a root of good ole fashioned handiwork and skill set but the embrace of new technology ideas and materials will always lead us forward.Many of us here use CAD in some way to help with their projects where 20 years ago it was for big time production companies only.
I know a lot of recreated WW1 aircraft lazercut their steel joinplates but the stresses in flight are a lot lower than 30,s and later airframes.

Pretty much nails it on the head Pat68t.Being a tinbasher schooled by Australias paramount Airline cutting materail can be done by a variety of means.Waterjet is my preference over Lazer cutting over sheetmetal plates frames etc BUT the next step is the most critical and that is edge preparation.From a 1/16th hole all the way up to skin edges they must be deburred and polished to exclude the area of stress cracks.I learnt that 20 plus years ago and apply it to any job I do.With welded tube joints to ensure a good welded joint the edges must be prepped and cleaned as well prior to welding.

There are a lot of variables where aircraft cant be made airworthy.Paperwork is usually the biggest issue.

Excellent pic.

Yes Barry Coran’s Spitfire. Still with us in Melbourne, Christmas card, and I would hope to see him later this year.

Camera, 35mm Canon T70 with monster flash…and up a ladder.

Mark

From Humble beginnings great things come.

Last I heard still going strong.

Oooohh did I miss something?Ahhh yes Spitfires at Point Cook.Follow the breadcrumbs Phil…