Paint Stand for E-Powered Planes

[Don Jenkins]

I attempted to use a standard paint stand for my first electric plane, but the makeshift hardwood fixture I made broke.  Then I made a fixture of 1/2 inch steel which worked, except it put too much pressure on the motor mount and it kept cracking the plastic/balsa interface.  My new stand puts no pressure on this area and consists of an inexpensive hardwood (wood working) workbench I purchased at Harbor Freight for around $120 (with coupon).  Then I used one of the hardwood pegs it came with, cut it and attached a 1/2 inch hardwood dowel.  Once the peg is placed in any hole in the bench,  masking tape is used to provide the desired amount of friction to keep the plane from spinning while shooting paint.  I also installed lockable castors on the bench so I can wheel it around anywhere, of course I'll cover the bench with a drop cloth when painting.  It's also ideal for working on a plane once fully assembled since you can place it where you can walk around it.

Don

[Avaiojet]

motor mount and it kept cracking the plastic/balsa interface.

Your motor mount is laminated balsa and plastic?

Did you repair the cracks or change the configuration?

CB

[Don Jenkins]

Tom Morris produces a plastic/composite front motor mount for full fuselage and profiles.  It was a really small crack and was easily repaired. 

Don

[Avaiojet]

Tom Morris produces a plastic/composite front motor mount for full fuselage and profiles.  It was a really small crack and was easily repaired. 

Don

I see.

That entire nose piece is the Tom Morris product?

Front mount.

Nice workmanship.

CB

[Will Moore]

Yes, Tom makes it out of a 3D printer, depending on motor specs.
There has been a problem with heat transfer on these 3D components, as several people have noticed that the plastic can deform if heat transfer from the motor gets too excessive. Good advise would be to monitor that possibility and use good cooling techniques and proper motor / prop / battery compatibility.

[Don Jenkins]

Yes, Tom makes it out of a 3D printer, depending on motor specs.
There has been a problem with heat transfer on these 3D components, as several people have noticed that the plastic can deform if heat transfer from the motor gets too excessive. Good advise would be to monitor that possibility and use good cooling techniques and proper motor / prop / battery compatibility.

I believe the first generation motor mounts (yellow ones) had problems with distortion.  The second generation (white ones) are a different material that apparently performs better.

Don

[Will Davis]

Don,
Great idea on the paint stand.  Thanks for sharing ..

[Alan Buck]

and will   work for ic planes to