Anodizing?

[TJ_Slice]

For aesthetic reasons, I am thinking about anodizing (yellow) the trim wheel and flap detent, Has anyone done those, or have any thoughts on it.

[SpruceForest]

Yourself or send-out? Def doable small shop. but by the time you get the materials and hardware (heaters, power supply/battery charger, buckets, stainless soup pots, etc.), likely better off sending it out. Further, small shops can handle Type 2 anodization, but that is not the standard Type 3 that has a thicker, tougher surface layer. Finally, you get some HAZMAT at the end of the process that needs appropriate disposal, so factor that into the time budget.

If you decide to do it at home, look for articles on anodizing AR-type semi-auto rifle 80% lower receivers - that maker space has lots of detail and good references on how to keep cost down for in-shop surface treatments. That said, you then run the risk of getting THAT bug (another hobby to compete for airplane time). And even if you do catch that particular strain of the DIY virus, a Bearhawk seems like a great machine to get you out of the city and onto a nice 1000 meter stretch of Fed land to have some fun making steel plates ding.

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, it’s definitely not something I would do myself.

[jaredyates]

While this may not be an imminent threat for the trim wheel, it may be for the flap lever. Always be cautious about the "make it pretty" vs "make it safe" tradeoff:

https://www.kitplanes.com/error-chain-15/

Also, the flap arc gets a lot of wear on the sides. I don't think it would look better with colors on two sides and abrasion on the other two.

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, that was what I was wondering about.

[fairchild1934]

also be aware --- that anodisng whether done with alodyne or the regular method--- slightly decreases the fatigue life of the part. I did some on my ribs
but I decided not to on any of the more directly stressed parts like the spar parts. and even alodyne- as easy as it is- is expensive and you have toxic leftovers to dispose of.

You might consider the bake on finished that the ar-15 people use. It is fairly tough and you can have any color you can dream up------

(look on Brownells for that-- or possibly midway usa )

Tim

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, I’ll check it out