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Has anyone out there used Bend-Tech software in the process of building the tube structures on their Bearhawk. If so, was it worth the cash outlay? Thanks.
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I don't see the need for spending that much on software of which you need very little to build a Bearhawk. The most useful element of the software would probably be the tube coping calculator. But fortunately, there is a free one on the net that I have used and it works quite well. See it at: http://metalgeek.com/static/cope.pcgi There is also another one you can download, called tubemiter.exe I think, but you have to convert your numbers to metric to use. It does work well though and you don't need a net connection to use.
Best,
john -
John,thanks for the input. I've already downloaded those two programs and will give them a try shortly.I'm going to use them first on an airboat cage I need to build and then If I can figure it out the expensive stuff next! I thought the Bend-Tech software might come in handy because it gives you total lengths needed and therefore I could get a more accurate material list. Also it has a sheetmetal add on for laying out brackets.Comment
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My advice: just build the thing. The plans and assembly are dirt-simple. With an engineers ruler and a cup of coffee you can come up with a very accurate materials list. All you need is a grinder and a silver pencil to assemble the tubing. I bought a tubing notcher when I first started...never got it out of the box. It takes WAY too much time to set up and use. Additionally, you will make mistakes along the way. If you order the exact materials needed, you will come up short. Sheet metal needs to take grain into account, so plan accordingly.Comment
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I've been using Bend Tech Pro for several years. One of the features it has is cut length and bend locations. May not be much help on an airplane but I like mine.
.LSA 085Comment
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