Aluminium for John Greenfieds undercarriage

[barrie burton]

This may be a first,I am answering Johns question,before it appears,a bit like a Two Ronnies sketch.

The aluminium that John needs is 2014 t6 available from John Keatley metals,Birmingham 0121 236 4300

I use 4mm sheet,but have used 6mm sheet,They will cut to size and post
2 pieces 320 x 40 x 4mm cost me £12 including postage a year ago

[Rob Buckley]

Interesting, but what's it got to do with four candles??

[John Greenfield]

Thanks Barry, although my original posting seems to have disapeared so this may not mean much to anyone else !!?
Is 2014 t6 bendable cold without a press as where the U/C exits the side of the fuz there is quite a bend.
Given your experience with 4mm material what thickness do you think I will need for my 25kg model. the existing composite one is approx 8mm thick.

John

[John Greenfield]

Dave

Can you reinstate my original post at the head of this page please. It seems to have got lost in the change over.

Thanks

John

[Dave Parry]

Hi john i will have a look for you in the database.

[John Greenfield]

Dave

Found it as when I logged in at home it took me to the old site so here is a cut and paste.

Hi all.
I am looking for some advice from those better informed than myself on what grade of aluminium to select to make some new U/C legs for my 40% Decathlon. The model is 25KG and subjected to hard work as a glider tug and the factory supplied legs which are a carbon composite eventually delaminate at the top bend where the legs come out of the fuz. I feel that metal legs of a suitable material will be more durable but accept they will eventually also fatigue.
The question is what grade of material to select that is bendable but strong enough to stand up to a hard life and still have a little bit of give for those less than great landings.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
I know I could keep buying carbon legs but am looking for something a bit more durable. As a guide last time I took the model out towing I did 83 tows which is 83 landings in one day. Not the sort of wear and tear a model normally gets !!!

John

[Dave Parry]

Cheers John, glad you found it before that forum was deleted.

[barrie burton]

John,I think that 6mm should be ok.I used 4mm on my Choucas wing. Model is way under 20 Kilo,but has 10ft of half wing trying to straighten the undercart out.Use the usual soap on the back and heat locally with a blow torch until the soap turns black and bend round a steel bar to produce a radius bend.In practice you will find it easier to start with a longer piece of metal,bend to suit and then cut to the required length.It will harden back with time.

Barrie B

[John Greenfield]

Thanks Barry. I will order some and give it a go.

John

[John Greenfield]

All

I am struggling to find a supplier who has 2014 T6 ali in stock but have been offered 6082 T6 as an alternative. Can anyone advise what the difference in properties is, and if it would be suitable for the purpose listed above in my earlier post.

Thanks in anticipation.

John

[Jan Naaijkens]

Hi John

Have used it on my 50% decathlon, its the best u can buy, bud is not for cold forming.
If your looking for any help give me a call on 01938 811863
regards
Jan.

[David Brown]

I use 6082 for most of my alloy work, it is classed as an easy machining grade and has the highest strength of the 6000 series of alloys, generally used in high stress applications. Its a versatile alloy with good weld-ability but not in the same strength league as 2014 which is an aerospace grade alloy.

Dave

[David Brown]

I use Metalfast for my alloy and they stock 2014 in plate, flat bar & round. They also have off cuts on the shelf for small orders. 01384563100

Dave

[John Greenfield]

Hi all

I have managed to get some 10mm thick 2014 ali plate and cut out the blanks for the undercarriage legs but have now run into trouble trying to bend it. I do not have anything in my workshop that can form the bends in material this thick or stiff.
Can anyone point me in the direction of someone who can bend the legs. I do have one of the original legs for use as a template and the bends are quite a generous radius.

Help.

Regards

John
01923 857009