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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Joe Ed Pederson on November 22, 2022, 10:54:46 AM
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Buying pre-cut and pre-bent aluminum landing gears is pretty expensive.
I've got the tools to cut, drill, and bend aluminum landing gears, but none of the sources specify which aluminum alloy they use.
So, can anyone tell me which alloy to use to make landing gear for models up to .15 size models and for models up to .40 engines (ex. Twister, Banshee)? And also what thickness for up to .15 size models and the thickness for models up to .40 engines.
3003-H14
2024-0
2024-T3
5052-0
6061-T-6
Thanks,
Joe Ed Pederson
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Any of the alloys that end with the letter "O" are too soft. "O" means annealed, or softened. The common alloys are 2024-T3 and 6061-T6. 2024-T3 is what they used to call "dural" or "duraluminum". It is harder and more bend resistant than 6061-T6. It is also more expensive. Most of my experience is with racing and carrier planes, which are typically harder on landing gears than stunt or sport models. I only use 2024. For two wheel LG, I use .090". For single wheel gear I use .125". If weight savings is your top priority, use 2024, and see if 1/16" is enough for your needs. If money saving is the goal, try.090" 6061. Whatever you try first, remember that if you can make one LG, you can make more!
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Hi Joe;
I have always used what is in the K&S rack and had no problems. Like Bill mentions, .090" ( approx.3/32" " works for most smallish models. up to a .40 size. I don't know what alloy it is , but something close to what the old school sheet metal guys call "quarter bend" I think. That means hard enough to bend between 45 and 90" degrees with out cracking, as long as you have a decent radius on the bend. When you bend it, get it close and ease into the final bend, avoid bending back and forth. I make a dummy out of cardboard to test fit and make sure my measurements are right first.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
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https://stunthanger.com/smf/building-techniques/profile-landing-gear-62571/msg646363/#msg646363
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Thanks everbody,
Joe Ed