Aluminum tie bar

**Esox4130** · 02-01-2018, 11:06 PM

Going to make a solid aluminum tie bar for my skater. What’s a stronger grade of aluminum to use? Thinking of doing wing plates also to shave some weight.

**Chaz** · 02-01-2018, 11:42 PM

As they say .... this is gonna be good

**Onetime** · 02-02-2018, 12:33 AM

It will save some weight in your wallet.

Not saying it’s correct for the application. 7075T6 is one of the strongest.

**Esox4130** · 02-02-2018, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Onetime

It will save some weight in your wallet.

Not saying it’s correct for the application. 7075T6 is one of the strongest.

will cost 80 bucks for 4ft 1.25” round. Not bad. Buddy will machine ends for free to match stock. Same me 13lbs

**JPEROG** · 02-02-2018, 08:35 PM

Go carbon fiber if you are looking or weight reduction. We are in the process of getting some carbon tube with 1/4 lamination right now. The plates can be made out of carbon and sleeve the bolt holes as well. I am going to monitor it from the sidelines with my heavy stuff intact and see how it all plays out.

Joe

**Esox4130** · 02-02-2018, 08:43 PM

I don’t want to spend 1k on a tie bar lol. Stock tie bar weighs 19lbs. Aluminum will weigh under 6lbs for under 100 bucks so probably stay that route. Carbon would be cool though. Need the rams lightened too haha

**JPEROG** · 02-02-2018, 08:47 PM

Its going to cost a lot less then a conventional tie bar. We will see is there are any issues after its been run for a year. It will look cool for sure.

Joe

**Chaz** · 02-03-2018, 12:20 AM

Esox , Let me ask you a question . ( well in a moment )
You have "4130" in your name and a friend who is a machinist .
Have settled in on 7075-T651 fairly quickly .

Do you feel your lateral move in size was done because of the generous amount of overkill built into the stainless bar in the first place ... ?

Or have you forgotten the 50% steel to aluminum rule of .....

**rude tim** · 02-03-2018, 12:26 AM

I would not use 70 series aluminum because it will brake not bend. Go with 60 series. Also solid will bend easier than thick wall tubing. I know it seems weird but it is true a solid piece has two planes to bend compaired to a tube that has 4 planes to bend.

**Esox4130** · 02-03-2018, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Chaz

Esox , Let me ask you a question . ( well in a moment )
You have "4130" in your name and a friend who is a machinist .
Have settled in on 7075-T651 fairly quickly .

Do you feel your lateral move in size was done because of the generous amount of overkill built into the stainless bar in the first place ... ?

Or have you forgotten the 50% steel to aluminum rule of .....

4130 is because I use to ride bmx haha. Buddy is a machinist but bought equitment and can’t write the programming to do side work. I’m not settled yet. Just looking for input. I thing the 1 1/8” solid hynaudic stainless bar is way over kill lol. I figured the 1 1/4” aluminum should be fine. It’s not being offshore race. It’s a 21 skater use for pleasure and occasional 1000ft shoot out quick is why I’m shedding some weight.

**H2OPERF** · 02-03-2018, 09:59 AM

Carbon fiber with bushings would be super nice and no corrosion to worry about.. the thicker plate is pretty expensive though, tubing with ti threaded inserts riveted in would be cool... One thing to think about with aluminum is corrosion protection, 7075 is strong stuff (strong as mild steel) but corrodes readily if un-protected don't get it near salt water unless its primed/painted really well or better hard anodized and that may cost abit, 2024t351 might be a happy medium.. I know most people talk a lot about 6061 because its the most readily available but it's fairly weak as far as aluminum extrusions go and not used in aircraft structure anywhere due to its strength.. Tubing is stronger but not at 1:1 diameter.. with the mass of material being equal it is stronger in bending loads only.. Dave

**Turborr** · 02-03-2018, 01:25 PM

Not to be a debbie downer, but are you not concerned about the strength of the aluminum where the tie bar bolts on to the wingplate? I think the tie bar itself will be strong enough, but I would be worried about the ends. I have seen steering failures at high speed and it is not something to cut corners on in my opinion.