A different kind of Bomber...

[generalee7]

Decided I wanted to build something and the Bomber is my only RC at the moment so its getting a makeover again While searching onlinemetals.com one day I saw they sold DOM tubing in 1/4" x .035 wall thicknesses. $50 later, I had a few sticks in my hand. Plan so far is this.. Remove the stock Axial Bomber cage and replicate the chassis out of 1/4" DOM to the best of my ability. Seeing as I haven't used my TIG welder much since I bought it, I felt it would be a good opportunity to get some machine time in.

I started building off the sub frame. After looking at the Axial chassis for an extended period of time, I decided to build the toughest single tube first. Basically build the chassis from the bottom up. This tube has 12 bends in it It did take a little tweaking to the driver side after this picture was taken but you get the idea Its just about dead on center now.

[generalee7]

Next I wanted to build the sliders since they seemed to be the next step in beginning to build the chassis upwards. The door bars and main chassis tubes all mount to the sliders. Since these are sufficiently melted, I may finish out all the bottom tubes first before continuing as some of them might be very difficult to reach with the TIG torch when I start adding more up top. This will do for now though Don't mind the extra holes on the main chassis tube, they will get welded and ground smooth. That was part of tweaking the chassis more to the driver side to center it.

[generalee7]

Just to show the difference between the Harbor Freight bender and a better quality bender with a tighter radius and a much shorter leg so less tube is wasted.

Also just ordered 4 feet of 3/16" x .035 DOM and 4 feet of 1/4" x .028 DOM in hopes of saving a little weight. I plan to make the parts that will see abuse out of 1/4" x .035. Stringers like window tubes will get 3/16 and structural tubes that might see a load but not a direct hit to rocks will get 1/4" x .028 tube. Can't wait to get more done!

[generalee7]

Got a little more done today. Sliders are done, ready to start moving upward in the chassis

[cmbscx10]

Great start so far. Look forward to the progress updates.

[BigSki]

I have not even attempted to TIG any tubing yet, I wouldn't even know where to begin on such a small dia tube.

What sort of tubing bender are you using, it seems to work very well.

[generalee7]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I have not even attempted to TIG any tubing yet, I wouldn't even know where to begin on such a small dia tube.

What sort of tubing bender are you using, it seems to work very well.

Up to this point I've used this bender. While it works, its not the greatest by any means and is a little difficult to put 2 bends close to one another.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tubing-bender-3755.html



For the remainder of the build I'll be using one similar to this.



Thanks for the feedback! Hoping to get more done on it this weekend

[84yoda]

Having seen on IG the tube work you did to your taco, this should turn out awesome.

You should look into something like this: https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGFW4

[generalee7]

Originally Posted by 84yoda

Having seen on IG the tube work you did to your taco, this should turn out awesome.

You should look into something like this: https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGFW4

I hope so! I like to think I have an eye for detail work. Is that a bender? See even I see that as limiting only because sometimes you need to bend in 2 different planes and that bottom plate would potentially interfere with a bend right next to it. I also think any tighter radius than 9/16 will flatten out the tube too much. DOM is a bit tougher to bend than other tube because its made for building structural items. I think the bender I've got will work fine

[generalee7]

Few more updates. Added some structural tubes tonight. Don't mind the wonky tube at the very back, this DOM is stiff but not too stiff such that I can't bend it into the perfect position. The bottom A and B pillars are a little closer than the Axial version but it should be easy enough to trim out some new skins out of aluminum that are a little shorter in length. Height is almost spot on Other than the A and B uprights, the chassis is only 1/16 off everywhere else. Having fun building this one!

[generalee7]

Una mas prior to welding

[generalee7]

Had to order a couple more sticks of DOM. So far I'm over $100 just in material alone! Oh well, the end result will be worth it

[cmbscx10]

Originally Posted by generalee7

Had to order a couple more sticks of DOM. So far I'm over $100 just in material alone! Oh well, the end result will be worth it

Very nice work so far.

Tubing is definitely expensive so it's no wonder why these are so expensive.

[Di_Spencer]

You should look at your local metal supply store if you have one. Sometimes you can get lucky and find cut lengths in the scrap area for very cheap. I got 2 pieces that were about 4-5 feet for $3.

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[ferp420]

I tryed that with my wraith but by the time i was done i ended up with a 5th scale wraith lol

[generalee7]

Originally Posted by cmbscx10

Very nice work so far.

Tubing is definitely expensive so it's no wonder why these are so expensive.

Thanks! I tried to keep it scale with the 1/4" tubing. The stock chassis is .275" diameter and 1/8 of 1.75" DOM is .218". Close enough Is yours made of solid rod or hollow? How much does it weigh? And what material did he use on it? Looks really nice!

[generalee7]

Originally Posted by Di_Spencer

You should look at your local metal supply store if you have one. Sometimes you can get lucky and find cut lengths in the scrap area for very cheap. I got 2 pieces that were about 4-5 feet for $3.

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Yeah I should. The metal itself isn't much, $9 for 4 feet of it but shipping kills the deal.

[Di_Spencer]

Yeah. I agree about the shipping being expensive. Check out Zoro, I bought my stainless for my cage there. I paid $5 shipping for 1 6ft piece.

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[generalee7]

Originally Posted by Di_Spencer

Yeah. I agree about the shipping being expensive. Check out Zoro, I bought my stainless for my cage there. I paid $5 shipping for 1 6ft piece.

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They have plenty of stainless but no A513 DOM

[generalee7]

Everyone likes pictures right? Finished off the other side and started tying it all together. Almost out of argon on the welder