Finally... got my cluster plates done!!

[KDOG]

Is there any plates that we CAN'T use the 3/16ths Alum for? If not, just get a sheet of the alum and go for it!!!

[Brian Jackson]

Originally Posted by KDOG

Is there any plates that we CAN'T use the 3/16ths Alum for? If not, just get a sheet of the alum and go for it!!!

That would work, but I think I'd rather stick with the stainless for the shock plate. So since I'm ordering 1 sq. ft. of it anyway, I may as well use the remaining area of the sheet for the other stainless plates called out as such on the original GyroBee documentation.

Also, the tank support diagonal braces (shown in Tan) mount coplanar to the outside surfaces of the cluster plates (yellow) and the tank mount horizontal supports (green). By altering the thickness of the cluster plates, one of two things must happen in addition:
1. Increase the thickness of the angle stock for the (green) horizontal tank supports, or
2. Add a 1/16" thk washer (AN-970-4) between the (tan colored) diagonal and the (green) horiz. support.

Otherwise, the (tan) diagonals will bend themselves into a very shallow "S"-curve when you torque down the bolts because the mating surfaces (green and yellow) won't be on the same plane.

Make sense?

Please take some pix of your build thus far and share them with us. As they say, enquiring minds wanna know! . Call me sometime this weekend and we'll chat about all things Bee! Take care.

Respectfully,
Brian Jackson

[KDOG]

I see what you are saying, and like you mentioned, I am planning to use washers to compensate...

As far as pictures go, I have only high res pics of my airframe which this forum doesn't allow. I'll try to use my webcam to take a pic tommorrow and post it...

[rehler]

Brian, you stated: "Otherwise, the (tan) diagonals will bend themselves into a very shallow "S"-curve when you torque down the bolts because the mating surfaces (green and yellow) won't be on the same plane."

This would actually increase the strength by creating a slight "triangulation", which is stronger and would make the parts more stable than keeping the braces "in line" or parallel. Parallel is the weakest arrangement for any side load.

[KDOG]

Huh? Doesn't make sense... wouldn't twisting the metal weaken it? What I don't understand about the design is why not put a square piece of aluminum sheet say 1/16th in the "bed" of the fuel tank mount and use short bolts to secure it around the perimeter to stiffen the assembly, instead of having it welded and riveted. I'm thinking of a workaround for the fuel tank mount now. I'll let you all now how it goes...

[Brian Jackson]

Originally Posted by rehler

...Parallel is the weakest arrangement for any side load.

This is true, parallelograms can skew... (hey that rhymed ). By the way, Ken, I'm in awe of your gyro. That's one of the coolest designs I've seen. It was interesting reading through your site.

Cheers,
Brian Jackson