RC Plane Ski

thingiverse

This Ski design scales extremely well, printing sets as small as 40% for smaller skis and as large as 130% for 40-60 size planes. The photos show version 2, which lacks the rounded nose. Print at a fill setting of 75 to 100%, with supports, in 0.2 to 0.3mm layers, PLA works well but may become brittle in real cold temperatures. ABS or Nylon can tolerate the cold much better. The holes may need to be drilled out if scaling down significantly. This design requires the use of a wheel collar, 2 is ideal, but a single one will suffice, and the spring from a small clamp (use smaller springs for smaller skis) for each ski, I have also used the collar from a prop saver. I replace the set screw in the wheel collar with a 12 to 16mm long 2mm or 3mm screw, only one collar per wheel needs this done. For a 2-collar setup, put the one with the extended screw on the axle, for a single-collar setup simply place the ski on. The spring needs to be bent; put the spring on the axle tightly against the ski then mark it, aligned with the front hole on the ski. Bend the spring 90 degrees so that when installed, the bent end will enter the front hole on the ski. Put the spring back on tight to the ski then add the collar; you will need to mark the spring again and bend it, first a 90-degree bend then a three-quarter loop in the end of it. The idea is to have the loop be able to hold the spring securely against the extended screw. Once the bends are made, reinstall everything on the axle, adjusting the ski's angle by loosening the collar and rotating it to tip the nose of the ski up slightly; about 5 degrees should be ideal but may vary. Tighten the collar(s) and enjoy skiing in cold conditions. I use http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:88569 to create custom springs that work with these skis