Aluminum alloy for mains

[Flyguyeddy]

I can only seem to find 6061-t6511 in the size needed to make the landing gear. Would that be ok to use?

 

[DRFlyer]

I think you would need to upsize the stock to get an equivalent strength if you switch to 6061. Then there is the question of fatigue, you'd want to make sure it can handle the same amount of cyclical loading as the 2024. May take a little engineering.

 

[Aviacs]

Online metals has it in 3/4" thick x 6" x 72" for $309.xx
They only have 5/8" up to 2" wide. But i do think i'd call and see if they could order the wider material in that thickness.

However, noting in online sources that 3/4" thick is the default raises the question: If a person were to dog it down on a planer and reduce the thickness, (then polish out as per normal anyway) would there be any issues with strength characteristics or fatigue properties? I understand the heat treatment in a through process, the material should be homogenous. But some (rolled or extruded) materials do perform differently when the "skin" is taken off. Considering that i sometimes machine 2024 T3 "all over", is that a factor or not?

1/2" x 6" x 72" is shown. for $302.xx
Has anyone explored making the gear wider at that thickness?

& finally, 1/2" gear was original. If the airplane will be flown only at the original 925lbs gross, there is a small weight savings.

smt

PS - Oh drat - I started thinking too hard. I'm only semi-serious, but this is seriously do-able: If a person were to start with a 3/4" or 1" thick bar, dogged down on the planer, it would be possible to plane the shape streamlined before bending. Someone else would have to figure out the sections for strenght, and how the airfoil shape would change airplane performance. :-\

 

[kennyw]

You're making your own gear from scratch? Mind me asking why you don't just get the Grove landing gear and weel/brake kit?

 

[Flyguyeddy]

Because grove wants 1600 for their landing gear.

 

[ThePipster]

I bought my Sonerai I gear recently from Linda at O’Keefe Aero, it wasn’t $1600.

Phil

 

[spankyscub1]

O’Keefe Aero sells gear for $525.00

 

[mhflyit]

I have an extra S2 5/8 gear. If interested send me a PM.