Pappy's LEXL Build in Texas

[pappyadkins]

Here's the long overdue 8th Video... Hopefully more coming soon...

[pappyadkins]

Here's the 9th video - Tacking the Fuse Part 1

[pappyadkins]

Here's the 10th Video... Fuse is Tacked! Part 2

[pappyadkins]

First off THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Kamcoman77... And I'm serious about that... I had originally thought about mounting them more near the top & I like the way you did that in your picture... But then I ran into the SFI Foundation (Motorsports Safety something or another) And according to SFI SPECIFICATION it stated -10 degree is the optimal angle for support... So please don't take this as argumentative cause I'm on the fence here too! And I value your opinion as well... I'm just not sure... I was planning on discussing this in a future video too, so please send me any supporting data, cause logically your take seems to make sense to me!!! I've seen several builder's have it high like that & several that mount it even with or slightly below the shoulders... So here's my plea with the group... Please keep it civil but add your thoughts (especially cite documents if you can - I'll try to compile the data & present the findings back to the group... Of course we all hope we'll never need the seatbelt, but it'd be comforting to know if we did, it'd be mounted to our best interest!!! As far as y'alls fuselages, it really isn't that complicated... Just take your time with the angle grinder, small bits till it fits!  The tighter the joints, the easier to weld & stronger the fuse will be!  GOOD LUCK!!!! If I can answer any questions, reach out to me...

[Chuck in Indiana]

Here's what I found..
https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?topic=2197.600
page 41

[pappyadkins]

Cool little article I found on Leonards 25 years celebration at Oshkosh this year...

[pappyadkins]

Here's the 11th Video... Let's talk Tail Wheels!

[Kamcoman77]

Nice video! Please post what spring you used. I did not see that listed in the video.

[pappyadkins]

Thanks for the question, I forgot to put it in the video... The spring you see in the video is way too soft, but same basic measurements... Based on Les' Video he suggest the '9620K41' spring from McMaster-Carr... I haven't ordered it yet, I'm going to try & find the springs for the front landing gear as well... their shipping will be the same for 3 springs as the 1... Hope that helps...

9620K41 is a compression spring that 2.5" long with an ID of 0.719". It's max load is 103.5 lbs & is rated for 220 lbs.

I'll try to remember to update on next video...

[Kamcoman77]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll wait until you get your spring to see how it works before ordering mine. I'm starting out with no springs on my main gear, just low pressure balloon tires. If I bend something, I can always add the springs later.

[pappyadkins]

You & I are on the same page... I'm thinking same thing... My plan is to start off with rigid arms & big tires... but will probably go ahead and order front springs... I may try to land with both & see if it makes a lot of difference... sounds like another future video... lol

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm using the 9620K41 spring, and Goldilocks says it's just right. 

The mains are a blue spring, 9537K81.

[pappyadkins]

I'm using the 9620K41 spring, and Goldilocks says it's just right. 

The mains are a blue spring, 9537K81.

Thanks Chuck. Can't find 9537K81 but maybe you meant 9573K81... OK, I've updated with all info I could find, this should help those interested in buying their springs (at least for now)...

I reached out to Leeco spring to find their No. 14714 & those don't seem available, the first thing Matt said to me, you must be building an airplane...  (I've copied the last message below from him - What wonderful customer service!!!)... I also added some info from Les' post... Here goes...


Reply from Leeco Springs, "The second item you're looking for is 13708.  Those are $12.29ea but a little different situation.  Die springs aren't something we manufacture, rather, we resell them.  We make many other types of springs, though.  We would have a minimum buy of 10 pieces of p/n 13708 because I don't have them in stock.

I'm talking myself out of a sale, but these are equivalent to what you're looking for, cheaper and without a minimum...

14714 sub... [Front Landing Gear (~$20 x2) Part # 9584K84]
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/die-springs/length~3-1-2/for-shaft-diameter~3-4/color~red/

13708 sub... [Tail Wheel (~$10 x1) Part # 9573K81 - this was based on info I gave from Les' older post]
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/die-springs/for-shaft-diameter~3-4/length~2/color~blue/




Front Springs Info:

Leeco Spring (from Plans)
Part # 104-714 (Raymond Medium Heavy Duty Die Spring)
Hole Dia 1 1/2"
Rod Dia 3/4"
Free Length 3 1/2"
Load @ 1/10" 52.8#
Optimum Life (20% of Free Length) 369.6 # @ 0.70" deflection
Optimum Life (25% of Free Length) 462.0 # @ 0.88" deflection
Max Operating (30% of Free Length) 554.4 # @ 1.05" deflection
Max Deflection (37% of Free Length) 1.30" deflection

McMaster-Carr (Substitute)       
Part # 9584K84 Red Medium to Heavy load chrome-silicone steel die spring
1.5" hole did, .75 rod 3.5" long
Max load 567# at 30% deflection 2.45" long
Rate per inch deflection 528 lbs.

Mcmaster Carr (possibly what Chuck used for front springs, based on his post April 2021)
Part # 9573K81 Medium load chrome-silicone steel die spring
1.5" hole, .75 rod 2" long
Max load 424# at 40% deflection 1.2" long
Rate per inch deflection 530 lbs.



Rear Spring Info:

Mcmaster Carr (from Les' post Dec 2018)
Part # 9573K81 Medium load chrome-silicone steel die spring
1.5" hole, .75 rod 2" long
Max load 424# at 40% deflection 1.2" long
Rate per inch deflection 530 lbs.

Next Heavier spring (from Les' post Dec 2018),
Fastenal
Part # 0344843
Rate per 1/10" deflection 60.3#

Mcmaster Carr (from Chuck & Les video Sept 2020)(I believe this is the final pick from Les)      
Part # 9620K41 Medium load chrome-silicone steel die spring
1.031" hole, .719 rod 2.5" long
It's max load is 103.5 lbs & is rated for 220 lbs.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks Chuck. Can't find 9537K81 but maybe you meant 9573K81...

Oops..

[pappyadkins]

Here's the 12th Video... Let's talk a little more Tail Wheels & springs needed!