Rotisserie Question

[TJ_Slice]

I am planning out my rotisserie build, and have a question about hardware.

What have you used to attach the fuselage at the front with the motor mount attachments?

Specifically, I am wondering about using cheap hardware store bolts.

[Pbruce]

I used cheap hardware store bolts through the engine mount holes in the frame and into my rotisserie angle iron x-members. Perfectly fine. FWIW, I was not able to get the Patrol fuselage quite high enough on the rotisserie to balance perfectly. (Rotisserie not low enough on the fuselage). Fuse wants to sit upright so I have to use bungees or weights on the top if working on sides or bottom. No biggie, but give yourself adjustability wherever possible. IMG_2667.png

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, that’s helpful. I’m about to buy a couple of engine stands and chop them up to add some height.

[FFTravism]

I used hardware bolts from local box store.
Bolted to a piece of plywood and then that to the rotisserie mount.

https://eaabuilderslog.org/showmy.php?p=7vGIw4Vtf&z3=&i=2986736&l=208583&t=f&f=20230202_142455.jpg

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, I think I will do something similiar.

[Pbruce]

Consider keeping the rotisserie mount extremities inside the firewall perimeter. Then you can wrap the oversized boot cowl sheets over the firewall during fitting (before trimming) without interference

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, I’ll do that.

[svyolo]

I recycled a whole bunch of the wing crate steel into jigs/rotisseries. I made a wing rotisserie completely out of that steel, but I didn't think it was quite strong enough for fuselage. I did use modified for height cheap engine stands for the fuselage one.

[Utah-Jay]

Consider keeping the rotisserie mount extremities inside the firewall perimeter. Then you can wrap the oversized boot cowl sheets over the firewall during fitting (before trimming) without interference

That is GREAT advice

[TJ_Slice]

How much height has everyone been adding to the engine stands? I’m thinking 12 inches.

[alaskabearhawk]

If you didn’t see it, I made a four-part video series on building my rotisserie. I made my height adjustable. Here’s part four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUiwWzGxt18

[Pbruce]

My engine stands had telescoping tips. With 1/2” carriage pins to hold in the selected position. I’d buy those if you can. This allows the back one to be elevated enough to let the fin swing clear of the rotisserie base. As stated earlier, I should have mounted the rotisserie lower on the front of the fuselage so that it would balance better. With the telescoping engine stand uprights, there is more than enough clearance for the front of the fuselage cage to swing 360. Pm me if you want measurements. I’ll be home in two days.

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks for all the responses. I purchased 2 engine stands today, but it's going to be a week or two before I can get around to chopping them up.

I did get a good laugh when they asked if I wanted a replacement warranty on them!

I am still not sure what I am going to do about U-joints. A buddy of mine had a spare 1" steering coupler U-joint that he got from Amazon. I borrowed it to see if it might work, and it sure looks puny. I'm sure it is plenty strong, but it makes me nervous hanging the fuselage from just a couple of them.

This is the one. Any thoughts on it? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTCRBNDJ

[alaskabearhawk]

I think it would be fine. If it won't pass your TLAR test, try something like this made for power transmission: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Joi.../dp/B07DJ715JS

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, that looks perfect.