Tailwheel Springs

[Peteohms]

I just replaced my old 6" Maul tailwheel with a Matco WHLT-8L Light Weight 8 Inch Tailwheel. I really like the Matco. I also ordered new Tailwheel springs from Kitfox Aircraft. The new springs are at least 2" longer than the old ones and with the new tailwheel my plane really sits higher in the tail not to mention the wheel is farther back and sits under the trailing edge of the rudder. I'd like to cut the new spring off and drill a new hole. What does it take to drill into the springs?

[Av8r3400]

Machinist hat=on

You will need at least a cobalt (if not carbide) drill, a drill press with vise and lots of cutting fluid to keep the drill and spring cool. I'd also suggest drilling a smaller pilot hole then stepping up to your final size.

/machinist hat

[jtpitkin06]

Use a HSS four flute end mill in a vertical mill. It goes through spring steel easily,
Contact me off list if you need someone with a mill.

John Pitkin
Greenville, TX

[wannafly]

I have been thinking of doing the same thing on my Kitfox IV. I have the solid 5 inch wheel with double spring. It is very rough and does not absorb when landing on rocks (see photo).

My question is will an air filled tire lessen the bounce and what about takeoff? With a larger tire your angle of attack is less so does that have big effect on take off distance?

[Peteohms]

I emailed you John. Got no response.

[jtpitkin06]

Computer crash this last week. Lost all inbox messages. If you didn't get a response, try again.

Still happy to help.

John Pitkin
Greenville, TX

[kmach]

Hi, I put on the same tailwheel the original poster is talking about, the 8", dual fork, light weight Matco. It is alot smoother on taxing , I too was concerned about different heights and lengths the wheel sits about 2" further back and tail is about 1 1/2 " higher ,it's lighter than the old tailwheel. I had a solid 6" scott before. There would be no going back to that ! I have the aluminum one piece tailspring , that's different than what people have been talking about in this post.

[avidflyer]

I have built springs for my Avids, I got the steel from a local spring supplier. He had longer springs that I cut down to length and then bent with a press. When I asked about drilling the holes, he told me to drill at slow speed with a drill press, cutting oil would help. He did say not to do a pilot hole, as the drilling heats up the steel and makes it harder. Just drill it to the size you want right away. I took his advice and it worked. Take care, Jim Chuk

[Peteohms]

I want to thank all of you who have commented or added to this thread. And to John Pitkin a special thanks for his offer to help. I ran across a great site to explain tailwheel geometry. Take a look.

http://pierceaero.net/tws.php