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LZ_Step_fairing
After Oshkosh drag reduction seminars for many years, the drag penalty of the 3/4 tube steps made me turn it into a TIG welding project fairing. 14 ga. 304 stainless was formed around a 1/2" bolt to make the leading edge. (4) rosette welds to the tube top and bottom make a strong connection. Stainless welds great to 4130 using a SS rod if you are careful. LZ
Comment
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Comment by Larry Zepp on June 30, 2020 at 10:46am
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Hi David,
Good Question- Based on initial testing, yes - that 14 ga (.075") 304 SS is strong stuff - roughly 2X the wall thickness of the tube. When I have the step and fuselage primed and riveted on, I will give you the final report.
Larry Zepp
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Comment by Jeff naul on June 28, 2020 at 8:22pm
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I tòok my steps completley off... picked up .000000.0000000 mph. But it looks better!
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Comment by David J. Beaulieu on June 27, 2020 at 8:11pm
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Larry, will the trailing edge take the weight of a pilot stepping on it, e.g. misplaced step versus getting centered on the tube? Just learning TIG and other fabrication stuff... Thanks! Dave
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