Lancair Live!

Over a year ago I built a replacement GM26 drag brace for my 360, I documented this project on my website below. Shortly after I had numerous owners start asking me to make them one, so I made more. Somehow that spiraled out of control and now I don't make nearly as much progress on my plane anymore, I just make everyone else's parts so they can play :lol:

https://odaydesign.com/nose-drag-brace/

This last month I started building the same improved linkage design for the 235 models with Esco struts. A number of 235 owners have been waiting for this and a number chipped in to help gather measurements and other information needed to ensure they will fit. Turns out the 235 linkage is nearly identical to the 320/360 except its length and a few other small details that don't matter.


Since the first time I ever made these I've made huge improvements to the tooling, setup is a lot easier and more consistent then the methods I showed initially.


I can't share it all here but the fixture below I'm pretty proud of as it allows me to precisely cut the slots in the linkage without the clamp compressing it, and without chatter. This is done by using rubber to lightly hold the unsupported section and then firmly clamping the solid section of the part. With out this rubber support it would become a tuning fork, and if it were clamped firmly the slot would become tapered due to the flex caused by the clamp while cutting.


Currently I'm wrapping up machining them and will send off to Anodize, everyone should see them on the website shortly. Next up, GM27 brackets for 320, 360, and the 235 (yes we found these are also unique on the 235). Then I can "finally" finish nose fork components, something I'm super excited about.

Shane, great post thank you for setting this up very informative and keeps us up to speed on your progress! I’m sorry to hear that you’re not making much progress on your plane😕 A lot of us are resting easy with you working away at these parts. Thank you once again! Pat

Thank you Pat! While I enjoy working on my plane I also enjoy this.

I made some more progress, the GM26 parts are completely done, ready for anodize but my anodizer is on vacation so we see when those go out.


I also got a start on the GM27 parts.


All of the tubes are cut to size precisely on the CNC. The 235 uses a different length tube because the gear well is not as wide as the 360. I don't screw around making 1-2 parts, I try to make it worth the up front time investment, actually building the parts is only a small piece in the puzzle.



No plasma or laser here, everything is cut on the mill.



The resulting precision is quite high, this makes fixturing and welding easier.