Source for 2024 tubing?

[dwalker]

I need to buy the 1" x 0.035 2024-T3 tubing for my control surface torque tubes, and wondered if anyone had a reasonable and reliable source? I am all set to order from ACS but just looking for options.

EDITED for the correct size and to add the missing T number

 

[henryk]

I need to buy the 3/4"x .035 2024-T tubing for my control surface torque tubes, and wondered if anyone had a reasonable and reliable source? I am all set to order from ACS but just looking for options.

+2" x .035 ...? (2024 alloy)

 

[BJC]

3/4” is small for torque tubes. Lots of push-pull tubes that size in 6061 T6, though, which is cheaper.

BJC

 

[henryk]

6061 T6,

=not similar E-modul...?

 

[dwalker]

3/4” is small for torque tubes. Lots of push-pull tubes that size in 6061 T6, though, which is cheaper.

BJC

You are right, I had 3/4" on the brain, it is actually 1" x 0.035 2024 T3. I had considered 6061 but figured there is a reason they call for 2024 in the plans specifically.

 

[dwalker]

+2" x .035 ...? (2024 alloy)

Actually it is 1"x 0.035 2024 T3 that I need.

 

[wsimpso1]

=not similar E-modul...?

All aluminum alloys have about the same module. For push pull tubes, buckling dominates, and that is EI. 6061 works fine and costs less than 2024.

 

[wsimpso1]

You are right, I had 3/4" on the brain, it is actually 1" x 0.035 2024 T3. I had considered 6061 but figured there is a reason they call for 2024 in the plans specifically.

If it is carrying torque, I agree with sticking to the plans. Maybe there is wiggle room in the torsional strength and maybe there is not. And you can not know…

 

[dwalker]

All aluminum alloys have about the same module. For push pull tubes, buckling dominates, and that is EI. 6061 works fine and costs less than 2024.

These are the tubes the aileron, elevator, and rudder foam is bonded to and glassed in, which later become the hinge as well.

 

[TFF]

Have you checked any of the metal suppliers in Nashville? There are two or three. They might not have it on the shelf, but it might be an easy piggyback on one of their regular orders.

 

[Victor Bravo]

Tube Sales or whatever it is called now

 

[dwalker]

Have you checked any of the metal suppliers in Nashville? There are two or three. They might not have it on the shelf, but it might be an easy piggyback on one of their regular orders.

I am calling my local metal guy tomorrow on some other things and was going to ask him.

 

[dwalker]

Tube Sales or whatever it is called now

Tube Service is a Western US company unfortunately.

 

[pylon500]

If it's not an aviation material supplier, avoid using the word airplane!

 

[crusty old aviator]

AS&S, or maybe Shapiro in St. Louis.

 

[dwalker]

AS&S, or maybe Shapiro in St. Louis.

Aircraft Spruce (which I for some reason still call ACS) does indeed have it, I have an order ready to be sent in, just wondered if there was an alternative source. ACS surprised me a bit with fairly competitive pricing and a reasonable backorder delivery, but you never know until you ask. The local fellow I buy metal through is checking with his suppliers but so far thier pricing is just about double ACS.

 

[crusty old aviator]

I used to be able to get 4130 streamline and 6061 sheet from Shapiro for about 20% under ACS, but that was decades ago. If I need aluminum sheet on a roll, I go with Airparts, Inc.

 

[karmarepair]

Tube Service is a Western US company unfortunately.

And they are high - if AS&S has what you need, they will be at least competitive. I was shocked by the pricing I got from my local Tube Service. Airparts sometimes has tubing, and when they do, it's cheap, but it was always pretty limited.

 

[Hot Wings]

These are the tubes the aileron, elevator,

Totally off topic but safety related:
Have there been any failures in the D'fly world of the hinge pin shown? In the Q world there have been a couple of the center elevator hinges - one discovered on the ground and another, unfortunately, in the air.


As designed if there is any distance in the area shown in red, or wear in the bushing, the threaded area of the cut down bolts is in bending. Not a good idea IMHO.
I machined new parts (QSM-2) for my Quickie with a substantial portion of the shank of the bolt inside aluminum turning before the threads started. Still not a really good solution but it makes me 'feel' a bit better.

 

[dwalker]

Totally off topic but safety related:
Have there been any failures in the D'fly world of the hinge pin shown? In the Q world there have been a couple of the center elevator hinges - one discovered on the ground and another, unfortunately, in the air.
View attachment 118526

As designed if there is any distance in the area shown in red, or wear in the bushing, the threaded area of the cut down bolts is in bending. Not a good idea IMHO.
I machined new parts (QSM-2) for my Quickie with a substantial portion of the shank of the bolt inside aluminum turning before the threads started. Still not a really good solution but it makes me 'feel' a bit better.

View attachment 118527

That is a great question and as far as I know or can find reference to, there have been no hinge failures. I like what you have done though.