ALUMINUM TUBING!

[NYCSCIOLY]

Hey guys I'm a 8th grader at MS 67 in the NYC area I want to know the exact aluminum tubing and piano wire size shown in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... rUuqjsqFRE
THX!

[retired1]

I will guess that he is using 3/32 or 1/8" tubing. 1/16 will work fine for most uses.
His piano wire looks like it could be more than 0.040" which is mega heavier than needed. Try some 0.020 and 0.025.

Look up on the internet to find the ID's of the small aluminum tubing and make your piano wire about 0.010" smaller.

If you are using a standard 12" boom and 0.125 rubber, you will be surprised on how thin a wire you need. Excess weight is not good for helicopter competition.

Who's kit are you planning to use??

[NYCSCIOLY]

Thanks a lot and I'm not using a kit for the competition. Planning to hand build everything that I can.

[retired1]

Thanks a lot and I'm not using a kit for the competition. Planning to hand build everything that I can.

From your question, I will guess that you are relatively new to this event. Consider a kit for your first chopper as the instructions and the jigs are worth the price. I do not consider a parlor mate as a good kit. Personal opinion.

[isaysroar]

Well if you want to go cheaper with the aluminum tubing you can always use an alternate. You can use a long tube-like bead to replace the aluminum tubing. Works just as well! Buying the whole piece is just TOO expensive, when you just need that small 3 mm piece.

[Itsanthonguise]

just wondering... what is aluminum tubing for?

[isaysroar]

It's so that you can insert your thrust bearing into the frame of the helicopter to reduce friction. Something like that:) It really helps with friction.