3D Printed Skids Go Poof
Loren F.
A bit of progress.
This is a mock up of the skids (stainless steel 10x8x425mm) with rear support struts positioned and now all ready for welding (silver soldering). I modified the wheel mounts which will be glued on at a later stage and the wheels mounted. Bending the skids was quite the task and I ended up using heat to red hot and bent as desired. I tried using a small pipe bender but the steel was too much for it and one of the handles snapped off.
There are 8 - 15x15mm triangles of 1.5mm Stainless to be cut and soldered for further structural support (see photo of the Starwood Lama in part 1). This is going to be difficult because the existing welds will likely de-solder while applying the heat for the support pieces, however, with enough weight on the main structure the other 3 stanchions should keep everything in place.
One step at a time.
11 Comments
What a shame that happened but looking towards the mods
Wow Loren, that is awful to hear! I look forward to tracking progress on this. I think Vario should know about this. I converted your post into a chaptered story so members can follow your journey modifying the Vario design.
I will post follow up photos as I move forward. I'm not sad about it because its taking me to a place I have never been before. The hobby is expensive and we have to live with that part. The fun is finding and solving workarounds for development flaws or thoughts an individual might think is a better way. My most difficult time is waiting for material (skid material won't be here until around the 7th, hahaha.
I recently had to learn about silver brazing. I had never done it before but the main gear on my Mi-24 broke and I had no choice. It was amazing to weld it and have it work!
Like you, I had never done it before but it's just too cool to get it to temp, touch it with a bit of rod and watch it do it's magic flow (if you have a good tight joint that is).
Looking good so far
I have always wanted to build my own tube frame. Being a Sikorsky guy, the VS-300 has always sparker my interest.
Amazing workmanship. This has gotten me thinking.
Thanks for sharing,
B
If you decide to go that route there is a bit to learn about tube sizing. There are a few places where I could have gone lighter (thinner wall) and saved me a bit of weight and also would have made shaping a bit easier. I would be more than willing to share my experiences.
Great info. I am sure there will be questions about the process. Currently I am in the the midst of another project but the thought process begins long before, I need something to ponder during my...
B
Very nice work. Love it.
Butch
Very well done