Blogs

EasyStar Mods - Spar Hole Reinforcement

Posted by Zach Lovering on April 21, 2009 at 4:59pm
Another simple modification to increase the spar holes strength. I notices that after just a few flights (and a few hard landings) that the spar holes in the wing started to stretch. To fix this problem, I reinforced the holes with fiber washers. (Note that these pictures were taken after I had already done this modification)Materials:1. Hobby knife2. CA3. Two fiber washers (5/16" ID x 3/4" OD)Process:1. Place the spar inside the hole and the washer around the spar so that the washer rest on the root end of the wing. The spar should be fully inserted into the wing so that the washer will be well centered.2. Make a shallow cut around the washer into the wing root to outline where the washer will be installed.

3. Remove foam as needed so that the washer will sit flush to the root end.4. Apply CA on the foam where the washer will be located. Install the washer and let dry.

Tags: easy, easystar, hole, mod, modification, mods, reinforcement, spar, star
E-mail me when people leave their comments –
Follow

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Comments

  • MattEvans16 March 15, 2010 at 8:46pm
    Great idea with the washer, but Is there a good place to buy all of these carbon fiber parts online? (Tube, Strips & Washers?) I found http://dragonplate.com/ but they only have .375 OD tubes instead of .315, and they don't carry washers at all.

    Also, great idea with the magnets! I have some Velcro on mine.
  • Zach Lovering April 21, 2009 at 6:49pm
    Thanks--and if you're ever in LA or San Diego, it would be great to meet up to fly.
  • Admin
    Thomas J Coyle III April 21, 2009 at 6:22pm
    Zach,

    Thanks for the verification and update to the upgrade instructions, which, by the way, are very informative and useful.

    If you ever get tired of LA and decide to try Texas, look me up. I live in Melissa, just north of Dallas.

    Regards,
    TCIII
  • Zach Lovering April 21, 2009 at 5:00pm
    You are correct. I meant to say 5/16", which is close to 8mm. I have updated both posts. Thanks for the correction.
  • Admin
    Thomas J Coyle III April 21, 2009 at 4:46pm
    Zach,

    Was there a reason for choosing .375 in ID washers as the original plastic/fiber spar is 8mm (.315 in OD)?

    Also, you chose a .375 in OD carbon fiber replacement spar in place of the original .315 in OD (8mm)plastic/fiber spar. What was your reason for increasing the dia of the spar? Had the spar slot in the wing enlarged itself from the original .315 in dia?

    Regards,
    TCIII
  • Zach Lovering April 21, 2009 at 4:29pm
    San Diego is a great place. I will be moving up to LA later this year for work and will miss this place deeply.
  • Admin
    Thomas J Coyle III April 21, 2009 at 4:21pm
    Zach,

    Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

    I used to live in Torrance, CA, but moved to North Texas last year in preparation for retirement.

    Spent a number of years in San Diego when I was in the Navy. Almost decided to stay there when I was discharged. Nice town.

    Regards,
    TCIII
  • Zach Lovering April 21, 2009 at 10:54am
    I picked up the magnets from my local hobby store, SureFlite in San Diego. The also sell their items online.
  • Admin
    Thomas J Coyle III April 21, 2009 at 10:39am
    Zach,

    Where are you getting your magnets from?

    Regards,
    TCIII
  • Zach Lovering April 19, 2009 at 4:34pm
    Yes there are magnets in the root. I am going to post the instructions for this modification in a couple days. The next post is going to be about upgrading to a composite spar. All of these mods are intended to "beef up" the plane to carry more payload.
This reply was deleted.