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How to: Homemade Swashplates for RCs

The swashplate is an essential part for a remote controlled helicopter, as it helps the user control the helicopter̵7;s roll and pitch. This part fits over the RC helicopter̵7;s main rotor shaft and connects to the cyclic and collective controls with a series of actuating rods. Assembling your own swashplate from scratch can save you money on purchasing a complete swashplate. In addition, you can use the knowledge gained from this endeavor to build swashplates for other RC enthusiasts.

Things You'll Need

Rotary cutting tool
RC rod ends
0.12-by-0.47-inch plastic spacer
Epoxy
0.12-by-0.23-inch aluminum ball
0.31-by-0.47-inch ball bearing
Aluminum ring
Electric drill
Two 0.08-inch screws
Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the elongated end of the rod end with a rotary cutting tool, leaving only the round portion of the rod end. Insert the rod end inside of the plastic spacer and glue both pieces together with epoxy.
- 2
  Insert the aluminum ball inside the rod end. Position the ball so the hole in the middle of the ball faces up. At the same time, verify it moves freely within the rod end.
- 3
  Insert the plastic spacer into the ball bearing. Fit the aluminum ring over the ball bearing. Glue the ring carefully to the outer edges of the bearing with epoxy.
- 4
  Create a 0.08-inch hole for the ball linkage on both sides of the plastic spacer with an electric drill.
- 5
  Insert two screws into the holes created on the plastic spacer with a small Phillips screwdriver. Insert ball links into each rod end and attach the rod ends onto the screws.

Aviation