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Tapping flap pushrod
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recapen(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:32 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Fellow listers,



I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.



First, I tried just running the tap through - the tap and tube would just 

spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit slightly smaller than 

recommended for the tap - more successful, except that I could only turn the 

tap in one turn at a time.

The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size drill bit (#3) for the 

1/4x28 tap.

After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure what ails me.



I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm tapping 

it.



Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Ralph Capen

n616tb(at)btsapps.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:50 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Ralph,



I had a terrible time with that and marred mine up real bad.  I used the

buffing wheel to smooth it back out but wasn't happy about it.  I figured if

I ever re-visit that area I would replace them with the hex rods.



Sorry I can't help as I didn't have the answer either.



Tim



[quote] --

Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Ralph:



I put the tube(s) in a vice (covered it with some duct tape first)...I'd

turn the tap and if the tube started to turn, I gave the vice a crank.  I

did short amounts of tapping, and then backed the tap off...and kept

repeating.  The tube didn't collapse in the pressure of the vice and it came

out OK. It was a bit of a P-I-T-A.



Bob 



--

_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

lhelming(at)sigecom.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

You are right, every tap has one recommended correct drill size.  Be sure to 

use oil when you work with the tap.  Stop every 1/2 turn or so and back up a 

little bit to clear the metal.  Go forward another 1/2 to 1 turn and back up 

again to break free the metal.  That is how I did it and it worked ok.  I 

like to put some rubber tubing about the part and put in a vice to hold it 

securely.  Larry in Indiana

---

dan(at)rvproject.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

 	  Quote: 	
		   I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm tapping 

 it.


	


If you don't have access to a lathe, you could do what I did...



I used the rubber pads on my vise jaws.  Clamped the tubing in the vise the 

long way, to maximize how much area was held by the vise.  Lube the tap 

liberally.  Worked for me.



)_( Dan

RV-7 N714D (1150 hours)

www.rvproject.com

Hopperdhh(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Ralph,

  

 I have a drill press vise that has a V-groove to hold the tube exactly(?).  Drill it with the right size for the 1/4-28 tap.  Then put the tap in the drill press, turning it by hand to run the tap in 2 or 3 turns.  This will start it straight.  Then you can take it out of the drill press and finish tapping it by hand.  Use tapping fluid (thread cutting oil).  The key is to get it started straight.

  

 Dan Hopper

 RV-7A Flying 180 hours.

  

  

  

 In a message dated 12/10/2006 7:34:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, recapen(at)earthlink.net writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> RV-List message posted by: "Ralph E. Capen" <recapen(at)earthlink.net>



Fellow listers,



I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.



First, I tried just running the tap through - the tap and tube would just 

spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit slightly smaller than 

recommended for the tap - more successful, except that I could only turn the 

tap in one turn at a time.

The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size drill bit (#3) for the 

1/4x28 tap.

After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure what ails me.



I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm tapping 

it.



Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Ralph Capen 



	


 

  [quote][b]

Hopperdhh(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:05 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

In a message dated 12/10/2006 8:02:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, Hopperdhh(at)aol.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		   Ralph,

  

 I have a drill press vise that has a V-groove to hold the tube exactly(?).  Drill it with the right size for the 1/4-28 tap.  Then put the tap in the drill press, turning it by hand to run the tap in 2 or 3 turns.  This will start it straight.  Then you can take it out of the drill press and finish tapping it by hand.  Use tapping fluid (thread cutting oil).  The key is to get it started straight.

  

 Dan Hopper

 RV-7A Flying 180 hours.

  

	


 I meant to say "exactly(?) vertical", obviously!

  

 do not archive

  

  [quote][b]

recapen(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:09 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Thanks for the info - lotsa responses really quick....



Worth my donation



More tools on order....

---

n616tb(at)btsapps.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:32 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

A lath is even better since you can chuck it up horizontal on the lathe line.  I have an easy tap that allows it to tap under power with a clutch.  Unfortunately when I did mine, my smithy was already moved to Texas.  I do think getting the hole drilled straight and then getting the tap started straight with the hole is 9/10 of the problem.  

   

Tim  

           

  

From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Hopperdhh(at)aol.com

 Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 7:00 PM

 To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Tapping flap pushrod  

  

       

Ralph,  

    

   

    

I have a drill press vise that has a V-groove to hold the tube exactly(?).  Drill it with the right size for the 1/4-28 tap.  Then put the tap in the drill press, turning it by hand to run the tap in 2 or 3 turns.  This will start it straight.  Then you can take it out of the drill press and finish tapping it by hand.  Use tapping fluid (thread cutting oil).  The key is to get it started straight.  

    

   

    

Dan Hopper  

    

RV-7A Flying 180 hours.  

    

   

    

   

    

   

    

In a message dated 12/10/2006 7:34:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, recapen(at)earthlink.net writes:  

   	  Quote: 	
		    

--> RV-List message posted by: "Ralph E. Capen" <recapen(at)earthlink.net>

 

 Fellow listers,

 

 I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.

 

 First, I tried just running the tap through - the tap and tube would just 

 spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

 Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit slightly smaller than 

 recommended for the tap - more successful, except that I could only turn the 

 tap in one turn at a time.

 The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size drill bit (#3) for the 

 1/4x28 tap.

 After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure what ails me.

 

 I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm tapping 

 it.

 

 Any suggestions would be appreciated,

 Ralph Capen 

 

 

   	
  

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        [quote][b]

jmsears(at)adelphia.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:39 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

 	  Quote: 	
		  > A lath is even better since you can chuck it up horizontal on the lathe 

> line.  I have an easy tap that allows it to tap under power with a 

> clutch.  Unfortunately when I did mine, my smithy was already moved to 

> Texas.  I do think getting the hole drilled straight and then getting the 

> tap started straight with the hole is 9/10 of the problem.<<


	


Tim is right, it would be much easier to do this with a lathe.  This makes 

the second time that I've seen a lathe recommended in the last couple of 

weeks, or so.  Fortunately, Van's parts don't require the use of a lathe. 

I'm betting very few of his customers have lathes; and, the rest don't want 

to buy them to complete their projects.  Most of us figure out how to do the 

tasks without one.  Now, if one were maunufacturing his own RV parts with 

plans, only, that would be a different matter.  I'm thankful that I don't 

have to do that.



When I did the pushrods on my -6A, my problem wasn't doing the tapping.  It 

was getting a tight fit on the threads of the bearing.  There was a little 

play between the bearing and rod, which made the fit as it if was worn out 

before it was ever used.  As it turned out, the tap I had was a cheap one 

that made bad threads.  It was fine for building model airplanes; but, it 

needed to be a little better for full size construction.  I went to the 

local industrial supply store and got a good one.  Problem solved. 

Fortunately, good taps are available to all of us at reasonable prices, if 

one needs one.  I think Avery is one of those sources, if one doesn't have 

an industrial supply store at hand.



Someone mentioned the hex rod that's already threaded.  Now, that may be a 

better suggestion than threading the tube that comes with some of the older 

kits.  It appears to be much stiffer than the older version and costs 

little.  Personally, I'd make that my first choice.  I'm not one of those 

"perfect" pilots; so, I sometimes let Scooter get a little out of the white 

arc after I've dropped the flaps.  I cringe when I do that.  I don't have 

hex tubes on Scooter's flap actuator.  



Jim Sears in KY

RV-6A N198JS (Scooter)

RV-7A #70317  (Project on hold due to laziness)

EAA Tech counselor

aerobubba(at)earthlink.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:38 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

Hi Ralph-

 

 	  Quote: 	
		  I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.


	


To expand a tad on what's already been written, I clamped my tubing in the

vise horizontally between two blocks of pine.  I drilled the tube out with

a hand drill and plenty of lube.  The geometry / depth of the hole makes it

pretty much self aligning.  Anytime the tube would start to slip, I'd give

the vise another crank.  Same process tapping.  Just don't get any lube in

the grip area.  By the time I was done, the pine blocks had an almost 180

deg trough in them, but there was no discernable deformation of the tube. 

No problemo!



glen matejcek

aerobubba(at)earthlink.net

brianpublic2(at)starband.
Guest

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 8:17 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

I use rubber jaws in my vise that have a v-groove in them - one running

horizontally and one running vertically.  This will hold things like round

tubing snugly without marring it.   Sorry, I don't remember where I got it,

but I'd think common tools sources would have it.   Email me direct if you

want a pic of it, if you aren't sure of what i mean.   Also, as someone else

wrote, make sure you use the tap with lube and work it in using a

back-and-forth motion - fwd 1/8 turn, back 1/4 turn, over & over.

brian

http://brian76.mystarband.net/RV-7Ahome.htm

--

truflite(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

I don't think I will have a problem with this as I

have a full size lathe and a mill in my basement.  If

anyone wants to take advantage of this, feel free to

email me.  It would not be a problem to do this

tapping.  Just pay shipping.



Dave Nellis



--- "Ralph E. Capen" <recapen(at)earthlink.net> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <recapen(at)earthlink.net>

 

 Fellow listers,

 

 I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap

 links.

 

 First, I tried just running the tap through - the

 tap and tube would just 

 spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

 Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit

 slightly smaller than 

 recommended for the tap - more successful, except

 that I could only turn the 

 tap in one turn at a time.

 The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size

 drill bit (#3) for the 

 1/4x28 tap.

 After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure

 what ails me.

 

 I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the

 tube while I'm tapping 

 it.

 

 Any suggestions would be appreciated,

 Ralph Capen 

 

 



 Click on

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 Admin.



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 Subscriptions page,

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zackrv8

Joined: 14 Jan 2006
Posts: 133

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Tapping flap pushrod

Ralph,



  Contact Dave at 302-437-6087.  Tell him what RV model you are making and what length.  He will tap these out of aluminum or stainless steel.  The neat thing about stainless is that it is stronger, more corrosion resistant and polishes up nice.  OK, it adds 1/2 ounce to the total weight of the plane! So what. Go for the stainless!



Zack





 	  recapen(at)earthlink.net wrote: 	
		  Fellow listers,



I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.



First, I tried just running the tap through - the tap and tube would just 

spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit slightly smaller than 

recommended for the tap - more successful, except that I could only turn the 

tap in one turn at a time.

The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size drill bit (#3) for the 

1/4x28 tap.

After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure what ails me.



I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm tapping 

it.



Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Ralph Capen

_________________
RV8 #80125
RV10 # 40512

khorton01(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 4:06 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

On 11 Dec 2006, at 10:37, glen matejcek wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <aerobubba(at)earthlink.net>



 Hi Ralph-



> I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.



 To expand a tad on what's already been written, I clamped my tubing  

 in the

 vise horizontally between two blocks of pine.  I drilled the tube  

 out with

 a hand drill and plenty of lube.  The geometry / depth of the hole  

 makes it

 pretty much self aligning.


	


Maybe I'm proof that nothing is idiot proof, but I did manage to tap  

a rod with the thread not aligned with the hole.  On my next  

attempts, I chucked the tube in a drill press, and turned the chuck  

by hand, while holding the tap aligned with the rod.  This worked  

very well, as the fact that the rod was being turned meant that it  

was impossible to have the tap remain misaligned on any given axis.   

You do need to back up every turn or so to break the chips off.  The  

fact that the tap is coming up from the bottom helps the chips fall  

clear without having to screw the tap all the way out.  You do need  

to tighten the chuck quite tightly on the rod to ensure it does not  

slip.



Kevin Horton         RV-8 (finishing kit)

Ottawa, Canada

http://www.kilohotel.com/rv8

phil(at)petrasoft.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 6:57 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

I found that using my tube flaring tool to hold these pieces worked 

well.  RapidTap cutting fluid works fine for aluminum and some kind of 

cut lubrication is definitely necessary.  As others have said having the 

correct hole size before tapping is absolutely essential.  Also make 

sure you are using a through hole tap and not a bottom hole tap.



Godspeed,



Phil Birkelbach - Houston Texas

RV-7 N727WB

http://www.myrv7.com



Hopperdhh(at)aol.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Ralph,

  

 I have a drill press vise that has a V-groove to hold the tube 

 exactly(?).  Drill it with the right size for the 1/4-28 tap.  Then 

 put the tap in the drill press, turning it by hand to run the tap in 2 

 or 3 turns.  This will start it straight.  Then you can take it out of 

 the drill press and finish tapping it by hand.  Use tapping fluid 

 (thread cutting oil).  The key is to get it started straight.

  

 Dan Hopper

 RV-7A Flying 180 hours.

  

  

  

 In a message dated 12/10/2006 7:34:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, 

 recapen(at)earthlink.net writes:



     

     <recapen(at)earthlink.net>



     Fellow listers,



     I've been trying to tap the pushrod for my flap links.



     First, I tried just running the tap through - the tap and tube

     would just

     spin in whatever I was trying to hold the tube in.

     Next, I tried drilling out the tube with a bit slightly smaller than

     recommended for the tap - more successful, except that I could

     only turn the

     tap in one turn at a time.

     The next thing I'll try is getting the correct size drill bit (#3)

     for the

     1/4x28 tap.

     After that, buying the VA-256 RV9 rods might cure what ails me.



     I guess part of my issue is being able to hold the tube while I'm

     tapping

     it.



     Any suggestions would be appreciated,

     Ralph Capen



 *

 *

halbenjamin(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:58 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

I drilled a hole lengthwise through a cheap 1" x 2" piece of wood about 4 inchs long. The hole diameter was just large enough to slide the tube through.  Then you can clamp it tight in a vise without distorting the tube.

    

   Hal Benjamin RV-4

   Finish kit in the mail

   Long Island, NY

    

  

 --

brianpublic2(at)starband.
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:19 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

I was looking at something else, and realized I had a picture of these

rubber jaws I was referring to here



See the first pic on this page:



http://brian76.mystarband.net/tiedown.htm



--

recapen(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:30 am Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

And I like the subject of that page by itself.....



Another idea that I can steal!



--

brianpublic2(at)starband.
Guest

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:58 pm Post subject: Tapping flap pushrod

If you like custom ideas, there are some more on this page:



http://brian76.mystarband.net/custom.htm



brian

--

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