Building Tips Thread

[paulg]

This thread is for "tips" to building the extra 260.

[paulg]

Read the directions, we have spent much time to include detailed pictures, if you find a tricky part or need clarification let use know so we can update the area.

[bills]

I am not to far from having my Extra built. I have a tip that could save folks a little time and frustration. At step 44 when you test fit the stabilizer in the in the fuselage it would be good thing to dry fit the elevator to the stabilizer at the same time. Lift the elevator up and down and make some small half moon marks on the fuse where the elevator joiner rod contacts fuselage. You will have to cut or file out this area (it doesn't take much) for the elevator to have full movement and would be much easier done when you are still able to remove the parts.
Happy building:D

Bill

[paulg]

That part is meant to be removed as stated in the manual, (step 38) NO need to cut the fuse. That foam in between the elevator halves is to help in keeping the two elevator halves aligned while the glue dries for the elevator joiner, than you simply cut that foam out. Look at pic on step 45, the rod is clear of the fuse.

Hope you are enjoying the build, looking forward to your flight report.

[bills]

Yep, I got that step. The issue I had was after all the tail feathers were glued in place the carbon rod would hit the fuse slot top and bottom when I lifted the elevator up or down more than 20-25 degrees. I carefully cut and filed enough away to get about 45 degrees. While working on this I thought I remembered doing this on my Edge also. I went out and checked and I had. I could be wrong but it seems it was in the instructions for the Edge. That build was a couple years ago though.
Yes, I am enjoying the build. Taking my time and it's looking pretty sweet.
Bill

[paulg]

The only way that can happen is if the surface is not hinged on the center of the surface, as the rod rotates on axis if the hinge line is not on the center than you get a arch movement thus hitting the slot opening.

[bills]

Thats probably it. Any way, alls well that ends well :)
Bill

[Mikey]

Yep, I got that step. The issue I had was after all the tail feathers were glued in place the carbon rod would hit the fuse slot top and bottom when I lifted the elevator up or down more than 20-25 degrees. I carefully cut and filed enough away to get about 45 degrees. While working on this I thought I remembered doing this on my Edge also. I went out and checked and I had. I could be wrong but it seems it was in the instructions for the Edge. That build was a couple years ago though.
Yes, I am enjoying the build. Taking my time and it's looking pretty sweet.
Bill


I had to do it on mine also there was some binding can we just lazer cut that area.

[paulg]

I had to do it on mine also there was some binding can we just lazer cut that area.

What area?

[Mikey]

Were the elevator joiner goes through the fuse make to half circle top and bottome to allow for full movement of the elevator.

[msprygada]

I had to carve out a little bit on all three of my planes as well. But thinking of your comment Paul, I looked at my elevators just now and the carbon tube is back a little from the leading edge of the elevator. If you look at the elevator from above, the front of the tube is back from the LE of the elevator (see attached diagram of elevator cross section) by about 1/16" or just slightly more which would make the tube arc as the elevator travels to it max deflection in either direction. Where if it was more forward, it would arc less. Maybe I made the elevator groove too deep? But like the other poster said, no biggie, just cut out the material needed and everything is working great.

[bills]

It wasn't a big deal, and had I remembered from my last build I would have done it before the elevator and stabilizer were glued in place.
Well she is all built except the electronics and lower fuse skin which I left off until last to give me a little more working room inside. Electronics are going to have to wait until after Thanksgiving.
Have a good turkey day everyone.
Bill

[paulg]

Yep color me WRONG, your right, the tube is off the center just enough to cause a arching.

[Jimv]

If the hinge gap is too wide or the joiner is off center, there could be some interference. Laser cutting a half circle may not be the solution on the top as the top crutch is even with the top of the fuse cutout. So even if the the cutout was made in the fuse skin, the crutch could still interfere. I have over 45 deg on the ones I have built. Best bet would be just to take a 1/4" round file and file a small notch above and below where the joiner goes.

[bills]

Well, she is ready to fly. The weight with out battery is a touch over 19oz.
Weather permitting, it will be the weekend before I get to try her out. I'll let you know how it goes.
Bill

PS
Rather than wait for the landing gear I went to the LHS and got a length of piano wire and using the digram Jimv posted made my own. I've decided that you probably don't pay the people who bend those enough:D. What a chore.

[bills]

Ahhh..:( three days of stormy weather here has kept the new Extra grounded. Next weekend perhaps.

Bill