Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

[Pearson]

Re: Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

What would be wrong with just replacing the three tubes that make up the cluster? If your IA says the longeron is ok, just leave it and cut out the three other tubes. Seems to me it would take no more time, possibly less, and you would not be adding weight or welding bumps.

[mulwyk]

Re: Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

Mike:

2 thoughts: (1) If your IA says "OK, go ahead and cover it". That's a good thing. He's the expert, Mike, just go ahead and cover it, don't question his judgement. You're paying for his expert opinion, why make extra work for yourself? and (2) if you're going to insist on doing a repair that your IA says is not necessary, you will ALIENATE your IA, Mike. Not a good idea.

[mhorowit]

Re: Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

Mike:

2 thoughts: (1) If your IA says "OK, go ahead and cover it". That's a good thing. He's the expert, Mike, just go ahead and cover it, don't question his judgement. You're paying for his expert opinion, why make extra work for yourself? and (2) if you're going to insist on doing a repair that your IA says is not necessary, you will ALIENATE your IA, Mike. Not a good idea.

Bob - did I somehow imply I was going to take on extra work? Not me!! I'm doing just what he suggests! - MIke

[N96337]

Re: Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

I'm with Richard.... I've found that it takes way more time and effort to do a repair like you're mentioning, than just replacing the whole tube. I'm also not so sure I'd be happy with that longeron, even if it is at a splice (it would never leave my shop like that)...but that's his call.
John

[mhorowit]

Re: Brainstorming request; repairing a well-rusted cluster.

What would be wrong with just replacing the three tubes that make up the cluster? If your IA says the longeron is ok, just leave it and cut out the three other tubes. Seems to me it would take no more time, possibly less, and you would not be adding weight or welding bumps.

Richard - Thanks for your reply - actually, that's the cluster just behind the seat and discounting the longeron, I believe there are four other tubes that intersect there. I mention this because each tube required welding at the cluster and each weld added more mass, and I'm beginning to think of how much mass I'm going to have to heat up.

I'll go out to the plane tomorrow and use the lawn chair; this is a two cup problem. I've got to put some thought on just how easy it is to disassemble parts of a cluster - Mike