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Main gear... 03/01/03 - I've been kind of dreading this for a couple of weeks, but today was the day (apparently) to set up and drill the main gear legs. My concern was that I'd not get the wheels aligned properly (Rans calls for 1° of toe out on initial installation) and once they're drilled, they're drilled. I've been corresponding with Ed at Rans and had an email from him detailing the process, so I was a little more confident in things coming out well. I built the alignment jig according to the assembly manual:
Once I felt that everything was properly fit, I punched pilot holes in the legs from the fuselage sockets. Next, I removed the legs and completed the drilling operation on my (very small) drill press. After drilling the legs, I drilled one side of the fuselage socket to finished diameter, reinstalled the legs to their seated position (both legs are installed to within 1/32" of being the same length, I hope that's close enough) and transfer drilled the other side of the fuselage socket. This provided a very nice fit:
After bolting both legs, it was time to check the alignment again with my jig and it was exactly what I was looking for:
Tomorrow, I'll probably finish the gear by marking and drilling the axles for final installation. Today was the first time I've actually had any PHYSICAL help (I've head PLENTY of help from others in various ways) since I started the project. Drilling today was one of those 'third hand' type of jobs however and since I don't own a steady-rest and I couldn't clamp the gear legs in place to complete the drilling process, put pressure to the bit and provide coolant to the bit all at the same time, my wife came out and manned (womanned, personned?) the coolant can. Thanks, M! Speaking of working alone...after I finished the gear today, I made a couple of 'travelers' which contain casters and fit under the main gear, allowing me to move the fuselage left and right by myself as necessary. I may ultimately have to tie the two travelers together, but they seem to work pretty well as-is and as the project gets heavier, it'll be easier for me to maneuver the aircraft around my somewhat smallish shop using them. Here are a couple of photos:
More updates soon... |
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Last Update: 03/01/2003 |
