2024t3/4 cap strips

[Gary Wallace]

I am looking ahead a bit and have prices the 1 1/4 x .125 2024 t3 cap strip material from aircraft spruce...pricing is a bit ridiculous on this i think.. has anyone got a couple or few bearhawk builder together, bought a 4 x 12 sheet of .125 2024t3 and cut strips out of it on a band or table saw, then finish the edges and clean them up. It does sound like a bit of work but could save a few $. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. an entire 4 x 12 sheet could do 4 airplanes at 3/4 the cost of doing one airplane buying the strips. thanks again gary

[nichzimmerman]

Gary, I did that with another builder, except that I ordered from Wicks and had them shear out the cap strips before shipping. It cost a whopping $10 for them to shear out enough for both of us, and we split the leftover metal and had enough for all the other .125" spar parts. It took me 6 hours or so to clean up the edges and I went through most of my scotch brite wheel in the process. Absolutely worth it.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I'm actually planning to rip mine from .125 sheet. Heck of a lot cheaper, although a lot more work :-)

~Chris

[DRLPatrol]

nichzimmerman, How accurate were the cuts from Wicks? Were you satisfied with the result? I,m trying to decide how I want to do mine.

Doug

[Bcone1381]

I am building a Patrol, and need 13 strips of this material that are 12' long cut to finished to 1" widths. If a group buy takes place, I want in. I have been pricing the whole sheets, and Wicks is cheaper than ACS, or Kansas City Air Parts. Wicks shearing service sounds like a deal.

I also would be interested in a similar group buy for the Patrol's rear Spar which calls for (8) .063 x 3/4" x 11ft of 2024 T3.

[DRLPatrol]

Bcone, where are you located. I am in the Portland OR. area. A lot of the savings in group buys comes from the freight. I am going to call Wicks today to ask questions.

Doug

[danfox]

If there's another 4-place scratchbuilder out there who wants to do this, I'm in. I split my time between DC and New England currently, so could work with someone in either area.

-Dan Fox

[Bcone1381]

Doug,

I am in Michigan, near Ann Arbor.

Brooks