mike mcs repair
Registered User
chugiak AK
Those look better than pipers original ones.
Sent from my iPhone using SuperCub.Org
Sent from my iPhone using SuperCub.Org
Lunch Time Aviation presents a builder's update: It's lunch time, so I thought I'd take a little time to provide my project update. Continuing with the Torque Tube assemblies, I have attached photos of the torque tube bearing mounts. I typically draw any flat steel parts on paper, then glue (spray adhesive) the paper template to the sheet, than cut out the part. Here I used a portable hydraulic punch I borrowed from work. I got lucky that the large hole I needed to punch was the same diameter as one of the punch and die sets we had. Electricians use these punches to punch holes in electrical panels. After punching, and cutting the part out using a cut off wheel or a sheet metal shear if applicable, we bent up the flanges, and assembled. In order to cut out the curved lines to fit to the bearing tube, I drilled a series of small holes just outside the line, then wiggled the scrap part away from the good part, followed by using the bench top grinder to smooth out the steel to the shape of the curved line. We fixture up the parts welded. My project partner has been doing the welding while I typically fabricate many of the parts and the fixtures. It works out well for us. We're building two cubs, so our combined interests works out well for both of us.
“Also curious do you have a list of materials available as to buy all the tubing in bulk ?
Really hope you can help me out to get started.”
Hello Christian,
Thank you for the positive comments about my project. My friend Charlie and I are each scratch building two Super Cubs, and are sharing our skills for these projects. I really enjoy the scratch building process, however it does take considerable time, especially when we work on our projects infrequently.
We are primarily using the original Super Cub drawings by Piper. We are using the Northland cd of drawings, and we also often reference Christian Storms helpful website Supercubproject.com to look up drawings. I want to credit Christian Sturms site where he fabricated the control sticks and torque tube, which helped me so much when building our assemblies.
Regarding a list of tubing, I may still have a list, and I will look for it. We simply referenced the drawings, and created a list of tubing we needed, then ordered it. For a realativeyl small cost, a person can work for quit a while fabricating a fuselage and gear legs.
if I were to make another, I would buy tail surfaces at AirVenture in the AeroMart tent (used parts) instead of fabricating these as there is always a supply of good pieces, at reasonable prices.
Regarding my drawings I use for templates, I do have a file, however I lost the availability of AutoCAD software, so I’ve been lacking the capability to manage the files. I have been wanting to find a free source to use my files, and I have this on my list to do.
I am currently away from home for a few days, which will delay me in looking through my files.
I hope this helps,
john
Good work. How many hours did the first fuselage take vs the second one?
Thanks for the updates, John!
Do you actually fabricate the Piper channel? I've bought it because it seemed too hard to produce efficiently.
Seldom can a purchased windshield be dropped in without any cutting and fitting. Over the past 60 odd years of installing windshields in various airplanes, I can not think of even one which did not require cutting and fitting. Some more than others.Are the purchased wind shields made so some cutting and fitting
is required to accommodate any variances in final assembly and cowl shape?
Another thought. Though I have never attempted to form a windshield, I have heat formed smaller pieces of plexiglass. Due to the size, shape, cost of materiel and steep learning curve I suggest that the cost of buying one all made from someone who does it for a living is very short money. You only need to crack one or distort it directly in your line of vision to create an expense higher than buying just one good one.Requesting thoughts on fabricating a home made wind shield for experimental Cubs?
Does anyone have practical experience in fabricating a windshield for a PA-18 from scratch?