In another thread, I detailed how I deviated from plans for my aileron hinge bracket. I decided to use a threaded rod bearing, which required me to use a different thickness tubing.
While making my hinges, there was one that was just not up my standards....it wasn't straight and just didn't look right. So, I decided to make another and use the crooked one to test my weld, and my whole product.Out came the hammer.....
As you can see, my welds are pretty good, if I do say so myself...
So, I calmped it in a vice and started whacking it with a 48oz ball peen....and I bent it up good....
Since nothing broke yet, I kept on hitting it until something DID break...
WHat broke was the metal...the weld was still intact....Here's the opposite side of the above pic:
You can see a nice tear in the metal, but still no weld breakage. I beat this thing more...until I bent it all the way around to the opposite side...
And the only thing that gave on these was the base metal. remember, a 48oz hammer and enough wacks to tear down a brik wall and then some....no weld breakage. Here you can see the end result...a few more metal tears at the weld, but no weld breakage.
I will be comfortable flying on my hinges, that's for sure.
My suggestion is that others test some metal parts int he same manner they test glue joints. It's just a little bit of peace of mind.
