diggs_74

After much waffling I've finally got an approved Q40 design based on Mike Arnolds AR-6 Endeavor..

To start with, the plug will be made with formers and foam.. Assuming everything goes well I'll look at an aluminum mold at a later date.. I'm doing a couple different wings to try before moving forward with a wing mold..

I sent the DXF file out to the laser cutter last night so hopefully next week I'll have some pics of the build..

A special thanks to Gary CAD work, it turned out way better than I could have hoped..

flyngfrog

HI, looks fine. Can you extend in your post of doing the plug and mold? I'm interested in try some molding.
thanks,

GSJames

Here is an image without all of the additional artifacts.

diggs_74

Thanks Gary, I didn't have that one with me..

I plan on showing my progress with the plug and mold.. Like I said, I should be starting on the fuse plug next week sometime..

Vendata

Hello Diggs 74
Your new QM40 racer looks awesome, could you post photos of building the racer as you go along I'm interested in seeing
How it will go from stage to stage.

diggs_74

I'm hoping to get started on the fuse plug this week.. I'll take some pics as I go and post them..

Bill Vargas

My Feedback: (5)

Looks cool Lee and hope it flies well too


BV

diggs_74

Me too Bill..

I sent off the material to the laser cutter but it doesn't sound like I'll get it back until Monday next week.. I'm going to try and get all the foam pieces ready and stabs done before then..

I'm trying to decide if I should do a removable horizontal stab or not.. Any thoughts?

kane

Lee,

I posted something on Scott's page and realized I hadn't given you any props. I applaud your efforts. LOOKS GREAT!

As Dave pointed out it is going to be fun to see the work that you guys do. Having done it (a couple of times) I can't wait to see the progress. I guess the race is on.

DK

diggs_74

Thanks Dan... It's in the fun stage right now but I'm sure that will die in a cloud of sanding dust in a couple weeks..

Yes, Scott has reminded me that Invictus beat the Endeavor at the last race in Reno.. I assured him that wouldn't happen again..

Scorpion Racing

GREAT looking plane Lee, but you already knew that, right!! I always liked that one too, and I am glad you are modeling it. It should be a winner for sure.

OH yeah, I almost forgot. I found a picture you might enjoy....

Seems to inspire me!

GSJames

I think someone must have reverse printed the negative...

iamtom

You guys should go with us and see them in person.
Tom

diggs_74

I will do that some day Tom but for now the models will have to do

diggs_74

As is the problem with getting stuff done for free, I'm still waiting for the formers to be cut.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good laser cutting place that won't charge me my first born?

Scorpion Racing

I use Fun-Aero in South Carolina. (803)499-5487 and ask for Jan. (Jan & Mike Bell are the owners) They charge $30.00 Hr. + actual wood prices and are very good. (1 hour of laser cutting time is a LOT of parts!!) As long as you have the parts laid out for the cutter, it is just an email away from being done. Jan has been cutting parts for me for 10 years now, and is a great person too.

If you need any help with the files, let me know Lee; I will be happy to help you out.

diggs_74

Thanks for the info Scott.. I have the files in DXF format right now, is that what they use there? The price sounds reasonable for sure..

Scorpion Racing

Yes, they can use .dwg or .dxf format. I think they use AutoCad 2000, so you want to make sure they are 2000 or earlier format. Red is cut, green is engrave for their laser. Call Jan and she will talk you thru it, she is a great person.

diggs_74

Thanks Scott, I will do that.. I'll try giving them a call at lunch.. I'll get the color changes done tonight and get it out to her..

diggs_74

Just trying to make sure the drawings are how they need to be for the laser cutter.. Should know something today..

It's already Feb. next week.. There's going to be some late nights between now and the Nats

diggs_74

I finished up the V-stab last night.. It's amazing how much time it takes to cut pieces by hand.. I didn't think it would take me more than an hour to do the Vstab but it took me quite a bit longer.. Most of the time was spent trying to account for how the Hstab was going to be positioned and how it would flow into the Vstab..

I finally have my formers coming.. I had to pay but it was very reasonable and I will have them this week.. It was so much cheaper than I expected I might even have them shipped next day air..

diggs_74

I got all my foam pre-cut into strips.. If you notice in the first post, the fuse is disected every half inch.. I cut some Dow foam into 2" x .5" strips so I can just trim them to shape as I go.. Hopefully there will be all sorts of foam dust in the workshop this weekend with pics to come..

diggs_74

After much screwing around I'm finally ready to start.. In the pic you can see the laser cut formers, the square shaft and the foam.. I don't think I have 5min enough epoxy, might have to make a run to the hardware store before it's all done..

diggs_74

An hour in.. Definitely going to have to get some more epoxy..

GSJames

Hey Lee:

Keep an eye on that spacing, like we talked about. The templates were made for 0.5000 spacing and if the foam PLUS the template material PLUS the glue is thicker or thinner than that, the tolerances are going to add up. Put marks on the tube to insure that you are staying lined up, otherwise the plug won't come out the correct length.