Sonex tail wheel assembly question

[Sonex1517]

I have the new Sonex tailwheel and assembly.

On plans page SNX-L03, detail -01 Tail Wheel installation.

I am trying to figure out how to accurately drill the hole in the pivot fitting for the tailwheel spring...I bought a drill jig for tubing - worked great on the titanium spring.

But this piece has an odd shaped tube.

Has anyone conquered this challenge?

The hole must be 1 1/12" down from the top of the tube neck, and at exactly 90 degrees through the spring...per plans....

(edited for clarity)

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Bryan Cotton]

Robbie,
You are way ahead of me but here are my musings on that tube. Measure the diameter of the circular part with a mic. Then you can calculate the circumference of the circle. Use a strip of paper to wrap around the odd shape and mark the apex on both ends of the paper. Fold in half with the apex marks lined up and the fold is the front of the tube. Measure 1/4 circumference from the front to spot your holes. Pilot them individually then jig it up in the drill press.

If I misunderstood and you have to drill through the hump then get a pipe drilling jig.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/t ... ey=1139725

It's almost too easy.

[Sonex1517]

I got the thing drilled today with the help of a friend. Not sure why it comes assembled, as you must disassemble it to drill it....


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Sonex1517]

Bryan

Thanks - your suggestion worked.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Sonex1517]

I completed drilling the tailwheel assembly in place today.

I disassembled the tailwheel from the pivot assembly, and clamped it up in a small vise. I used a small pilot drill this past weekend to make a starter hole in the tube where the tailwheel spring slides in, and marked on the titanium spring with a red sharpie how deep it had to be so I knew it was set in place

Today I mounted the tailwheel bracket in place and set the angle for the tailwheel, then marked the spot on the titanium tailwheel spring with the pilot bit.

I then disassembled it again, put it back on the drill press and updrilled the whole thing in separate steps.

Worked out great and came out very nicely.

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Bryan Cotton]

Looks good Robbie! I can't wait to get the Waiex on the gear.

[Sonex1517]

Bryan, thanks!

With a little luck mine should be on the gear by the end of the weekend....off work this week and on a mission.

Engine kit should ship this week also.

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[fastj22]

The new Sonex tailwheel assembly sure looks great.