I too used the sling method of supporting the fuselage but later modified
the scheme. Prior to bonding on the top I used two block and tackle hoists
at the forward end (in addition to the sling and hoist aft) lifting via
eyebolts through the spar pin bushings, and after the top was on hung the
beast using a square tube held to the spar bushings, with the eyebolts now
outboard of the fuselage sides. With three adjustment points the fuselage
can easily be leveled on two axes, and the elevation can be set for
convenient work height, plus (for the tri-gear) this "infinitely" adjustable
height simplifies mounting of the main gear legs. A side benefit of the
sling vs. cradle is being able to hoist the fuselage high enough to permit
parking my car under the fuselage (until I installed the landing gear, that
is). However, one disadvantage becomes apparent when it is time to rig the
wings which can not be done with the slings (especially in a two car
garage).
Best regards,
Rob Housman
A070
-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of R.C.Harrison
Subject: Re: Fuselage cradle
Hi! With the width of the fusilage bottom spread and adequately propped
apart to a controlled width it is possible to suspend it with flat belt
slings so that it can be rotated in the slings.
But you need to ensure that the slings don't work forward and slip off. With
that set up onto a two pulley block system overhead I could turn the whole
aircraft over on my own once the top was on.
regards
Bob Harrison G-PTAG
-----Original Message-----
From: forum-owner@europaclub.org.uk
Subject: Re: Fuselage cradle
>Peter Field wrote:
> Anybody out there got good drawings or even
> > a second hand unit they want to sell?
>For the trigear, I found that the design of a "cradle" is not
>critical. The only important job it will do is when the main gear is
>set up, so it needs only to be reasonably rigid, height-adjustable,
>not interfere with main gear placement, and ability to work underneath
>the fuselage in that area.
Think a moment.
With a good, accurate cradle you can work on the bathtub, with the top
either Clecoed on , or up in the roof somewhere, and get everything set up
accurately, all controls, wing incidence, flaps etc, in relative ease and
comfort. I know the faktry don't approve it but ai can assure you it works
and saves an awful lot of trouble and strife.
It is easy to tip the bath tub on its side and work inside the gear bay in
comfort.
Look at Chick Pop's design. Brilliant and there must be a few around that
guys have finished with?
Graham
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