RJM

My Feedback: (1)

Hello,

I have just bent up a landing gear from 1/8" aluminum. What would be the best way to round the ends of the gear. What I mean by that is similar to a leading edge of a wing. Presently, the aluminum has a square front and rear and I would like to round it.

Which would work better, sanding or using a file? Or is there a better way?

Thanks

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

A belt sander would be easiest, but if you don't have one, I would file first, and finish with sandpaper.

Strat2003

My Feedback: (1)

I've done it with a file, then succeedingly finer grades of sandpaper, then finishing it off with aluminum polish. You can get a mirror finish on it if you want and it looks very professional.

Fletch124

My Feedback: (7)

bench grinder is the best idea really. what you want to do is roughly cut what you want with a band saw then work it with the bench grinder.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Do NOT use a bench grinder, unless you don't mind clogging up your grinding wheel with aluminum.

RJM

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the tips guys. I have a belt sander, bench grinder, or many other tools including a polisher to make it look nice. Just was not sure which was the easiest to round the aluminum off.

I'll give the belt sander a try.

Thanks again.

martyg

My Feedback: (42)

Is powder coating a practical and/or cost effective finishing method after all that prep?
How would the finish stand up to the stresses you would see in a main gear?
Should I try rattle can paints for this application instead?

Dzlstunter

If you chuck the eraser end of a common pencil into an electric drill (handheld or press), you can make overlapping swirls in the finish appear "machined" (similar to the cowling of the Spirit of St. Louis--or other planes of that era).