cradle for a low wing
 

Does anyone have a set of plans or any photos of a cradle for a low wing airplane? The type I've seen in the past look like they were made out of 3/4" plastic water tubing. I need something to hold my 4* while I install the radio gear, put the wing on, etc. Thanks! Stikdude

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

Have you tried using a walker and putting PVC pipe with foam padding. Gets the plane up where you can work on it. I use one all the time. Probaby get one at a yard sale or goodwill for a couple of yankee green backs. When done they fold up and are easy to transport.

I can post pictures if you like.

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

No plans, but here's a pic that will show you how to make one

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

Here is a couple of pictures of my stand that I use. Nice when you have a low wing plane and have to turn it upside down to install the wing. I can do all of the work I need to do without having to use one of the flight stands.

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

Thanks Gorish/MinnFlyer for posting photos, that helps me visualize it better. Gorish, that is very inventive, and a great idea. We have tables so I think I can get by with the smaller style, but I like your design! MinnFlyer, with the holders being flat on the bottom vs. round or a V shape, does the low wing airplane balance well when you turn them upside down to mount the wing? Do you think you could make the vertical poles adjustable in and out to put some pressure on the sides to keep it from wobbling around? StikDude

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

You could always change the uprights to an "X" shape

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

Ahhh... great idea! That would work perfectly. Thanks again! Stikdude

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

Cermark sells a rubber rack that works pretty well.
http://www.cermark.com/products/RUBBER-RACK.html
For some planes the notches need to be opened up a bit with a fine tooth jigsaw or a hacksaw. The rubber is pretty hard so I put on some pipe insulation to protect the plane.

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

The PVC pipes make a great stand, but only for assembly. NEVER start the engine with the plane on one of these stands. We had a guy about loose a couple fingers last year because he started the engine on a small stand and the plane lurched forward and the prop did some major damage to his hand.

One of our guys has designed a free standing stand that breaks down for travel and allows for changing the cradle for different planes. It has a long and wide foot print and his flight box acts as balast to keep it on it's feet. I'm not sure I would trust it for one of my 91 four stroke planes though. Aother guy make a PVC stand glued to a big board which he in turn C clamps to our field tables. Both of these work well. We have some steel cradles with a 5 gall bucket of cement for a base. I about pulled one of these over the other day with my O.S. 52 four stroke. If one of the guys handn't grabbed the tail of my plane, it would and gone over for sure. I just use a loop of parachute cord through the slats in our pit tables and loop it over the rudder and elevator to retain the plane when starting it. No fear of it getting loose.

Don

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

I use an old carb board box from the whiskey store. At least it is colorful

A pocket knife and some foam pipe insulation and it was a custom fit.

I've seen banana boxes and Egg cases from the grocery store work well for the bigger planes

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

With or without the whiskey?

RE: cradle for a low wing
 

The whiskey store piles the empty boxes up around beside the building and people get them for storing things and moving.