The process of practicing the assembly of new blades to the rotor proved to be well worth the time and effort. I did it 3 times with my helper and we improved the process every time. For dis-assembly I set up some scaffolding.
Layout of all the pieces and tools that would be needed.
One item of business that needed to be taken care of was the "bird cage". After considerable thought and some trial and error I decided to screw on a sleeve of 1/4" hardware wire to the bottom of the Nacelle flange. Then I closed off the bottom with two half pieces and attached them to the bottom of the sleeve with hog rings. Since the triangular mounting/leveling plates do not rotate I had to cut an opening in the bottom to go around the main shaft. The "bird cage" will rotate with the Nacelle. Even if those crafty birds can somehow fly straight up they will have a heck of a time getting to the slip rings and wiring. Then ther is a plate of 1/4" hardware wire blocking entrance to the inside of the Nacelle. The last time the bird wedged its way into the Nacelle where the wire overlaps behind the rotor plate. This was necessary because the Nacelle top half opens to allow for maintenance. I think the last time it was a pair of birds. The female built a nest and got trapped in the Nacelle then the male tried to save her by going up the bottom.
So there it is in all its glory ready for some wind.
