Post by dunkonu23 on Jan 4, 2011 16:17:05 GMT -5
Just a quick update on the status of HeadHunter Helicopters.
Yesterday was a banner day. I shipped the first of the all new CF frames to our friend Jerry for him to test. I'm testing assembling the frames (no loctite) for shipping. This means I get to check fit and finish on every part of the helicopter. I had to make some minor adjustments to the CF in the form of light filing to ensure proper fit, but nothing radical at all and nothing above the adjustments that were required of the original frames. Jerry's is the first "Complete" frame set. This means he had to buy no Gaui parts to finish the frame. He'll still have to get the gearing, head, tail, etc... but this should address the issue of completeness. At least I hope it does.
Also, I shipped the first replacement parts to our friend Erik (FlyawayClyde) so he could get his bird flying again. He's been a saint. It has taken a long time to get the metal parts he needed and I'm happy to say that I have a LOT of spacers in now. Through this process, I learned I should keep the CF cutting to the pros. I had to make breakaway tabs so Erik could remount his canopy and had a really hard time making two parts that were the same. I suck at using a Dremel to cut carbon fiber. I learned that lesson, time and time again as I tried to make his tabs. Ultimately, the tabs I shipped him should work fine. If not, I'll just cut more.
Next up is to get Big Balls Bearing Blocks in. I have only one set left. My machinist sent me a sample and I have to say his work is stellar. We're using 7075 T6 for the time being. Cost may be the deciding factor in the long run, but for now, it's 7075 all the way. It's HARD aluminum. I'll post a picture of the ladder part of the bearing mount so you can see. I'm also considering doing away with all Gaui parts for the frame except the boom block clamps and the anti-rotation bracket. I'm investigating having all bearing blocks cut and using spacers that are only drilled on the ends to replace those Gaui parts. Head assemblies, gears, booms, tails, etc., will be required.
Maybe if Jack from Empire Hobby reads this we could get together on a reseller agreement.
Scott
Yesterday was a banner day. I shipped the first of the all new CF frames to our friend Jerry for him to test. I'm testing assembling the frames (no loctite) for shipping. This means I get to check fit and finish on every part of the helicopter. I had to make some minor adjustments to the CF in the form of light filing to ensure proper fit, but nothing radical at all and nothing above the adjustments that were required of the original frames. Jerry's is the first "Complete" frame set. This means he had to buy no Gaui parts to finish the frame. He'll still have to get the gearing, head, tail, etc... but this should address the issue of completeness. At least I hope it does.
Also, I shipped the first replacement parts to our friend Erik (FlyawayClyde) so he could get his bird flying again. He's been a saint. It has taken a long time to get the metal parts he needed and I'm happy to say that I have a LOT of spacers in now. Through this process, I learned I should keep the CF cutting to the pros. I had to make breakaway tabs so Erik could remount his canopy and had a really hard time making two parts that were the same. I suck at using a Dremel to cut carbon fiber. I learned that lesson, time and time again as I tried to make his tabs. Ultimately, the tabs I shipped him should work fine. If not, I'll just cut more.
Next up is to get Big Balls Bearing Blocks in. I have only one set left. My machinist sent me a sample and I have to say his work is stellar. We're using 7075 T6 for the time being. Cost may be the deciding factor in the long run, but for now, it's 7075 all the way. It's HARD aluminum. I'll post a picture of the ladder part of the bearing mount so you can see. I'm also considering doing away with all Gaui parts for the frame except the boom block clamps and the anti-rotation bracket. I'm investigating having all bearing blocks cut and using spacers that are only drilled on the ends to replace those Gaui parts. Head assemblies, gears, booms, tails, etc., will be required.
Maybe if Jack from Empire Hobby reads this we could get together on a reseller agreement.
Scott
