Mini Rare Bear

[mattgatten]

I've been doing a build thread over on 'another site' but wanted to share with you guys. I think it's coming out pretty decent.

I've been looking for advice on power systems and anything else. It's really my first scratch build. I'm using a CNC router to mill blue foam. I've got some pink stuff too. I would really like to try EPP but that stuff is expensive.

Here are some pictures of a small prototype I milled to see if my CAD design was right and the parts fit together properly. I'm not great with CAD so it's not exactly scale to the Rare Bear but it's close enough for me. This one has and approximately 8-9 inch wing span. The one I try to fly first will be roughly double this.

I'll keep this thread updated with the progress and a couple of pictures. Just wanted to get some thoughts. Am I crazy?

Take care,
Matt

The Bear


Bear Front


Bear Top


Bear and MSR

[PaperAirplane]

Woa!! Looks good. If u are crazy then I must be crazy too because I am doing a scratchbuild for my first plane ever.


How did u do the cockpit?

[mattgatten]

Glad I'm not the only one.

[mattgatten]

Here are a couple of shots of the fuse when the cutting was done. Not too bad.

[PaperAirplane]

That is pretty amazing. What tools did u you use?

[mattgatten]

I used a CNC router. I made this tiny one to check the fitting of the parts. My ultimate plan is for a 20 inch version. I still need to tweak a few things in CAD. I'm looking for a few folks who wouldn't mind testing it for me. This is my first scratch build. If everything goes well, I'll be working on other planes with the same approach. If someone wants to help, I'm open for some committed individuals. I like 'horse trading' too.



More of the CNC here: Linky

More of 'The Bear' here: Linky

[PaperAirplane]

I looked through your blog and that looks like a cool tool. I hope someone else participates in this thread soon. It is too cool to miss.

[mattgatten]

Just wanted to give an update. I'm working on a 20 inch span version for some folks. Here is a picture of the fuse after some light sanding with some 400 grit sandpaper. The cowl and wings are next. Tail feathers and control surfaces will be a different (and stronger) material. Looking for suggestions.

If anyone has any questions, Just drop me a line or post here.

Take care!
Matt

[TDisaster]

Lookin' good!

I like your CNC, nice little machine. We have a small AXYZ CNC at my school. Definately makes building a lot easier. I'm hoping to cut a small DLG this winter for ADV. CAD.

Definitely following this one, good luck!

[PaperAirplane]

Do control the CNC or does it follow a plan on the computer?

[TDisaster]

Originally Posted by PaperAirplane

Do control the CNC or does it follow a plan on the computer?

It listens to the computer.

We use tool path for the AXYZ at my school. You import the file you want cut (from AutoCad, Corel Draw, etc...) then set up tool compensation, router rpm, cutting speed, etc... Then you export it to the machine, set your surface level and cut depth then set the job origin. Then press start on the machine and watch it go!

As for the big FADAL machines at my Dad's shop, they're similar. I just have no idea how to program them. I just put new parts in, and take the cut parts out .

[mattgatten]

Thanks! You said, "Good Luck". That's funny. The reason I comment about it is because I don't trust my own luck to do this solo. I enlisted two other guys on RCG to help me test it if I send them free parts. I wouldn't have gotten this far without my commitment to them to get the thing cut and delivered. Plus they're 'horse trading' some gear and stuff because they feel like returning the favor. (Awww, you RC guys).


Note: I'm going to beg here in the next paragraph.

In fact, I'm still looking for 2 or 3 guys that fly small and micro planes as well. My offer is free foam cut parts for testing, review, suggestions, etc. I make the same offer here. I really thought I would get more volunteers over on the other site. I was suprised when only two folks stepped up. I guess they don't believe me or something. I'm 41 years old and just want to network, make friends, and work on some airplane projects with others. I hate doing things alone. Know what I mean?

Begging has ended.

Thanks for looking,
Matt

[TDisaster]

Originally Posted by mattgatten

Thanks! You said, "Good Luck". That's funny. The reason I comment about it is because I don't trust my own luck to do this solo. I enlisted two other guys on RCG to help me test it if I send them free parts. I wouldn't have gotten this far without my commitment to them to get the thing cut and delivered. Plus they're 'horse trading' some gear and stuff because they feel like returning the favor. (Awww, you RC guys).


Note: I'm going to beg here in the next paragraph.

In fact, I'm still looking for 2 or 3 guys that fly small and micro planes as well. My offer is free foam cut parts for testing, review, suggestions, etc. I make the same offer here. I really thought I would get more volunteers over on the other site. I was suprised when only two folks stepped up. I guess they don't believe me or something. I'm 41 years old and just want to network, make friends, and work on some airplane projects with others. I hate doing things alone. Know what I mean?

Begging has ended.

Thanks for looking,
Matt

If you want some one to see if one will slope, I'll be glad to . I'm slowly getting away from powered flight, and more into TD and slope.

What would you want in a trade?

[mattgatten]

I think we could do a slope version. That nose on the bear would be pretty draggy. The wings could be stretched. I have the capability to get a 32-34 inch (two piece) wing. The fuse is limited to 16-17 inches on my machine. Unless a way to section it for cutting then assemble the parts could be devised. I toyed with milling an exact channel to fit those square carbon tubes for the fuse and spars on high performance stuff. I love to go fast.

TDisaster: Drop me a PM or eMail me.

Anyone else? I need a couple more folks. Under 18 inch spans. (12-14 would be better). And someone who would like to try micro. I'll modify the model to your desires based on testing and inputs. For the tiny ones, I'll even cover the shipping if you can't swing a few bucks. I'm serious.

[TDisaster]

Originally Posted by mattgatten

I think we could do a slope version. That nose on the bear would be pretty draggy. The wings could be stretched. I have the capability to get a 32-34 inch (two piece) wing. The fuse is limited to 16-17 inches on my machine. Unless a way to section it for cutting then assemble the parts could be devised. I toyed with milling an exact channel to fit those square carbon tubes for the fuse and spars on high performance stuff. I love to go fast.

TDisaster: Drop me a PM or eMail me.

Anyone else? I need a couple more folks. Under 18 inch spans. (12-14 would be better). And someone who would like to try micro. I'll modify the model to your desires based on testing and inputs. For the tiny ones, I'll even cover the shipping if you can't swing a few bucks. I'm serious.

I'll send a PM in a little. Thanks!

I had a Formosa that sloped great. I used an old spinner on the cowl to help with the drag issue. Never had any problems. Perhaps a faux spinner would work on the RB.

A tiny sloper would be great, especially for the slope I have right down the road.

[K CLOSE]

If you are patient --I'm in. PM me with what $ you need for the "short kit". I am short on time and a slow builder- but- we are coming into winter and the building season. I can also reach out to Patrick (Ryanflyer here) if you were looking for more builders/input. He's young but a definite budding talent. He builds well- kid or not. I like air racers, the Rare would look good with my Clealand F2G and Ryder 8Ball.... 'thinking BP-21 spinnin an 8x4 and going for light...
Oh and Pat lives next to me. I'd cover his shipping, just put two in one box. 32-34" span would be my pref. fwiw

[Ryan Flyer]

I think I could help. Like K I like the about 30" stuff but I might try something smaller if you cant find any one who would like to I would be happy to help.

Ryan

[mattgatten]

I don't know if I could pull off a 30 inch span with my CNC machine. I'm limited to about 18 inches on the fuse, minus the cowl. That wouldn't quite let me get a fuse long enough for a 30 inch span plane. Let me know if you have any thoughts.


Thanks,
Matt

Here is the fuse I milled this weekend. Complete with pockets inside. Still adjusting things a bit, however. This fuse (cowl removed) is 16-17 inches long. I didn't measure it exactly. Sorry.

[Ryan Flyer]

How long could you or would you want to try? I would try something small if it would be helpful
Pat

[mattgatten]

Just an update on my progress.

Wings are done. Two pieces. Came out nearly 'dead on'.


A 20 inch wing. Ruler for proof. Had to use the big framing square.


It's getting there. I sanded the wing to fit it. The panels still need the 'mill lines' sanded off. Easy, easy!


Comin' at ya. There is some dihedral in the real Rare Bear. I'll leave it up to you to sand the roots to your desired amount.


And I call this 'The Money Shot'. I wanted you to see the part where the wing meets the fuse. I made a small mistake sanding the saddle. I'm sure the experts will have no problem with this. I'm picking up a digital scale somewhere tomorrow to weigh this puppy.


The only parts left are the belly pan thing and cowl. Those should be really easy and I'll cut a big batch of them all at once.

[StephenW]

The nose on the bear a little draggy for slope you say, hmmmm maybe you should have a lot at my Bearcat build thread
SteveW
some vids here http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...t=44421&page=7

[StephenW]

Nice work on the cutter any plans to extend the bed ? you could go into cutting plugs for moulding such as fuses and wings a bed capable of 60" would be the perfect size for moulded wing plugs.
SteveW

[mattgatten]

Originally Posted by StephenW

The nose on the bear a little draggy for slope you say, hmmmm maybe you should have a lot at my Bearcat build thread
SteveW
some vids here http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...t=44421&page=7

Nope, I said 'the bear' not bearcat. hahaha I was actually referring to the one I'm working on. I know I mislead everyone! In the current model (and my CAD incompetence) the cowl is a bit big. Not nearly as tapered as yours. haha I do have plans to sand mine down to be close to the size of the real 'Rare Bear'. Hey, it's a work in progress!

Honestly, when I was looking at a plane to make on my machine, I read your entire thread. That thing is awesome. I wish we had slopes around here, let alone, slopes as big as that. Wow!

I didn't make the CNC, I purchased it from Romaxxcnc. They are a small operation but their machine is totally solid. It can do 1200ipm for rapids and jogging. (I don't run it even close to that). There's no plastic or mdf in this thing either. Since I started cutting these plane parts, I found myself wishing it were bigger. Maybe someday I'll build a bigger table then just swap the guts over to the new one. It's got Gecko drivers and other top of the line components inside. The only think I don't use is the MPG (handwheel on the front). I use a dual stick game controller for jogging.

I've thought about small molds for racers and stuff. Maybe some smaller EDF parts. Who knows. That's one thing I love about having this. I'm a horribly NON-creative type. When someone makes a suggestion or asks, "Can you do that?", then I go crazy until I figure out the solution. haha Anyone have something they would like to see but were afraid to ask? hahaha

[mattgatten]

Did some work on setting up for making wings fast. I have the time down to 10 minutes per side. That means 40 minutes for the entire wing and a hair over an hour for the entire plane. Not too shabby. Smaller planes would go much faster as I could cut multiple parts at one time. Here is a picture of a batch of wings. These have been sanded so they are nice and smooth.

Take care,
Matt