Rod end bearing measure tool

[BruceW]

While building my -7, I wrestled with accurate measurement of the rod end bearing height, measured from center of the -3 bolt, particularly when measured to a 32nd or 64th inch. Always seemed to be an 'eyeball' measure at best. Things worked out fine of course.

WIth the current -14 build, I decided to tinker a bit and make some measuring tools. See pics.
A PVC pipe cut and sanded to the correct length, less half width of the -3 bolt.
Tighten the bearing until the thru bolt just rides on top of the tool. Seems to work well.

Now the bigger question, good idea or WAY too much time spent on making the tool?
Me thinks it's a little of both.

 

[JonJay]

I think it is an excellent idea. As long as both spars are perfectly straight and square, which wasn’t a guarantee with the older kits. The rod end adjustment allowed for some slight build variance which you probably don’t have with the newer kits. It will still be a good starting point.
I like it.
The ability to make tools separated us from animals!

 

[fl-mike]

Some free 3D CAD software and a 3D printer make quick work of stuff like this.

 

[BruceW]

Some free 3D CAD software and a 3D printer make quick work of stuff like this.

Mike, that is hilarious. Of course you can make that in 3D printer. No surprise this old fart think of it. Nicely done.

 

[N804RV]

I took a piece of 1/8'" flat stock and drilled my most perfect close-fit hole, then cut it to length for the proper dimension. A few washers ( to clear the flats on the nut that goes on the rod-end, and an AN-3 bolt through that perfect hole, then screwed the rod-end in till the bolt sliped through the bearing. Labled the part and stuck it in my "special tool" drawer in the taco wagon.

 

[fl-mike]

Mike, that is hilarious. Of course you can make that in 3D printer. No surprise this old fart think of it. Nicely done.

As I make my RV-related do-dads, I'm posting them up on Cults. https://cults3d.com/en/users/flmike2001/3d-models
Getting a lot of use out of my Bambu Labs P1S and OnShape for fixtures and such. Even made some punches and dies for my press brake. No need to spend $ for some custom radius punch, just print it. Joggle die? Print it.
Ya gotta get one! It's a game changer.