Strut angle conundrum

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

I'm not metal savy but wonder if all it would take is a torch and bending to create the strut offset noted? That's a quick fix. But to build a second part number would seem extreme and imply that others would be needed to fix an as of yet unproduced variation in some wings. Are there two strut part numbers?

Edit: Did look at what info I had available and saw the same front lift strut P/N A-A815 for both earlier and F-19. However after 1/1/79 for F-19 S/N F-137 on a larger strut was available plus a different speed cuff to cover the outboard attach point, tiedown clamps, and jury strut clamps. New size listed is 3.48x1.187". Earlier was 2.360".

Sources: http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/tayl...20list%20B.pdf and http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/Tayl...anual_1985.pdf

Gary

[Guest]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

I'm not metal savy but wonder if all it would take is a torch and bending to create the strut offset noted? That's a quick fix. But to build a second part number would seem extreme and imply that others would be needed to fix an as of yet unproduced variation in some wings. Are there two strut part numbers?

Edit: Did look at what info I had available and saw the same front lift strut P/N A-A815 for both earlier and F-19. However after 1/1/79 for F-19 S/N F-137 on a larger strut was available plus a different speed cuff to cover the outboard attach point, tiedown clamps, and jury strut clamps. New size listed is 3.48x1.187". Earlier was 2.360".

Sources: http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/tayl...20list%20B.pdf and http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/Tayl...anual_1985.pdf

Gary

I think that is true, at least to make the bend.

I am not completely sure about the hole alignment after it has been bent.

One other thing that occurred to me was that to be completely correct about comparing these angles on the strut end one should project them onto a horz. and vert. plane to think about them with respect to parts attached to the spar.

That might clear up some things but I doubt it, suspect that while it may be geometrically correct it has minor effects in this.

Dave R

[astjp2]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

No worry, just curious about what causes it.

And we are free to worry/discuss as much as we want.

That aside who forced you to read it?

I would probably bet that there were two different drill jigs for the attach fittings and one was off by .025 ish on the end hole causing the difference in angles, if Lee budie used one of the odd airplanes to build his struts from, viola a difference in struts...

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

I have the last pair of Lee's struts...the one he used for certification and approval prior to sale of the type to AA. They are 2* ends.

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

He told me the same thing...��

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

He told me the same thing...��

Then that makes it what it is. Taylorcraft had to adapt some parts to fit to stay alive. "Do whatever it takes to get the job done". They fly so good who cares?

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

Well said...

[Guest]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

Is Lee Budie from Alaska Airframes?

Dave R

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

Tim keeps up with this more than I have but a couple of years ago Lee was associated with this new enterprise: https://www.airforms.biz/index.php?route=common/home

He was with Airframes (might have started it) but sold a portion of their current business I was told. I visited the Airforms facility and it's an impressive modern design and manufacturing group.

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

Lee started airframes inc. and engine baffles.com, sold the airframe side to alaska airframes about 10 years ago, right after the sale, I bought my struts from him, he told me at that time that he was allowed to sell a few remaining items left in his inventory that were not cub related and the Tcraft struts were included in the items. Now he does baffling only along with some custom manufacturing work.

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

Thanks Tim for the history fill. I hadn't heard of the T parts exemption but he had one last set of struts so I grabbed them and paperwork when I could.

The airframes and airforms/baffling industry is doing well and from what I hear both companies really support their product and customers. Good testament to USA and Alaskan business and we're lucky to have them.

Now if someone like either of them could start producing some needed Taylorcraft parts...owner produced with maybe a little help from our friends? They have CAD/CNC (or whatever is current) to dupe stuff.

Gary

[jstall]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

I'm not metal savy but wonder if all it would take is a torch and bending to create the strut offset noted? That's a quick fix. But to build a second part number would seem extreme and imply that others would be needed to fix an as of yet unproduced variation in some wings. Are there two strut part numbers?

Edit: Did look at what info I had available and saw the same front lift strut P/N A-A815 for both earlier and F-19. However after 1/1/79 for F-19 S/N F-137 on a larger strut was available plus a different speed cuff to cover the outboard attach point, tiedown clamps, and jury strut clamps. New size listed is 3.48x1.187". Earlier was 2.360".

Sources: http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/tayl...20list%20B.pdf and http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/Tayl...anual_1985.pdf

Gary

But?? wouldn't a torch and bending compromise the
strength of the metal?? I would'nt think that would be
approved at all?? but then?? don't know, would someone chime in on this?? If this would be a an approved process then I can make my struts set a -0- == fit to a 5.5 degree strut angle required for my BC12D

JS
Alva,OK

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

You use the torch to relieve the end of the strut after the end fittings are welded in on manufacture. I had to send my first set of struts back because they were the wrong angle. When I got them back the ends were in primer and he middle was still in the trim color (I had told them when asked not to worry about the color since it was a custom mix and I had some left).
My suspicion is that they did just what you are saying. They heated the end of the strut while it was clamped and pulled it to the new angle. Then they confirmed it would fit the angles I sent them, blasted the ends and primed them. They DID NOT tell me how they fixed the problem, and I didn't ask. From an engineering point of view "that works". From a "LEGAL" point of view, I would not have done it myself.....but they have a PMA and I don't. I am NOT worried about the strength of the struts and the bolts at both ends can be turned in the lugs, so I am happy and so is my IA/A&P.
Got to ask an FAA engineer (or more likely lawyer) what is legal, I just know what would be safe.

I have a STACK of rusted struts in the hangar to use a ground struts, and all of them slipped right in place. The new sealed one didn't, but I got one of the early sets.

[PA1195]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

I'd ask Airframes Alaska how they form their two strut end bends, and if their ends can later be adjusted for a custom fit if required. They make lots of steel parts so I'd trust their recommendations pro or con.

Edit: "Summary
In the course of providing the Taylorcraft community with sealed replacement wing/lift struts, we have observed and documented variations in the front wing strut attach angle. As of yet, we have not been able to match this variation to a certain make or year of manufacture. It is important that this attach angle be within tolerances which, in this case, are +-2 degrees. Otherwise, the tightening of the attach bolt could cause damage to the wooden spar."

Gary

[Guest]

Re: Strut angle conundrum

But?? wouldn't a torch and bending compromise the
strength of the metal?? I would'nt think that would be
approved at all?? but then?? don't know, would someone chime in on this?? If this would be a an approved process then I can make my struts set a -0- == fit to a 5.5 degree strut angle required for my BC12D

JS
Alva,OK

It shouldn't and won't.

Forgings are bent/deformed hot metal.

I have seen many things straightened by heating and they work out just fine and done many of them.

Probably though I would not elect to have my first straightening project be on a wing strut.

I suppose that a careless person could under heat and over bend and cause defects but a skilled mechanic is unlikely to do that.

I bent back the bottom tab on my strut when it got bent in 1982 and used it until 2007 when it got replaced by the AD struts.