Battson
Well-Known Member
Hey all,
I am having some trouble procuring materials for my rear spars. Bit of a long shot, but I thought I'd ask...
The Bearhawk plans call for 1/8" thick 6061-T6 capstrips, the full length of the spar (14'). Stock only comes in 12'....
I can't find any 14' lengths in NZ, and so far I've had no responses to enquiries with Australia. Wicks Aircraft USA is the only outlet known to carry 14' stock, by the Bearhawk group, but Wicks have not responded to me when I ask about shipping 14' bar stock around the world.
People have suggested cutting up angle extrusions to get the lengths I need, but that is a lot of extra work and expense because I need 112' minimum. I have also looked at getting stock extruded specially by local companies, but that is big $$$$ too.
I have thought about splicing the rear capstips. That would increase weight, my workload, and require resizing of many other parts...... and I would need to contact the designer to get the stress figures to determine how many rivets are needed, and whether it can be safely achieved (I assume so, as the main spar is made that way).
Can anyone offer any other ideas, suggestions, thoughts?
I am having some trouble procuring materials for my rear spars. Bit of a long shot, but I thought I'd ask...
The Bearhawk plans call for 1/8" thick 6061-T6 capstrips, the full length of the spar (14'). Stock only comes in 12'....
I can't find any 14' lengths in NZ, and so far I've had no responses to enquiries with Australia. Wicks Aircraft USA is the only outlet known to carry 14' stock, by the Bearhawk group, but Wicks have not responded to me when I ask about shipping 14' bar stock around the world.
People have suggested cutting up angle extrusions to get the lengths I need, but that is a lot of extra work and expense because I need 112' minimum. I have also looked at getting stock extruded specially by local companies, but that is big $$$$ too.
I have thought about splicing the rear capstips. That would increase weight, my workload, and require resizing of many other parts...... and I would need to contact the designer to get the stress figures to determine how many rivets are needed, and whether it can be safely achieved (I assume so, as the main spar is made that way).
Can anyone offer any other ideas, suggestions, thoughts?
