Tubular 8inch LongRange frame - superlight and superstiff - build it at home - no CNC needed

This is the 8" version of the Tubular frame.

6" version: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5368370

7" version: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5365636

If you plan on building one or would like to get more info, there is a Discord server dedicated to this frame. You'll get all the support you need there. I'll do what i can to help.

https://discord.gg/ZBEmBTNHAc

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Hi there,

what about a frame that is super light yet crazily stiff, extremely modular? A frame that you can build at home without the need of a CNC workshop? And that costs just around 20$?

Well, something along these lines would probably be written on a product listing if this would actually be a product ^^

I have been designing tube-based frames around 10 years ago already, and i always felt a shame that this kind of fframe was nowhere to be seen nowadays.

I am currently working on making a video about how to build the frame - stay tuned!

While this frame is super stiff and light, it probably isn't really suited for a freestyle frame. I haven't crash-testet it too much, but i'm pretty sure it's easier to kill than your typical freestyle frame with 5mm+ arms. I'm mainly cruising and doing long range.

Now lets check the claims:

1. super light yet crazily stiff

This 8" frame does weight around 70-100g in total (depending on the rod strength and used mounts). This includes the GoPro mount and the GPS mount.

It uses 8mm and 10mm carbon tubes that can purchased in many places. Ideally they are "twilled", not "pulled". Twilling handles torsion better. But during testings i haven't found much of a difference actually.

You can use the classic 10x8mm and 8x6mm rods (2mm material thickness), or 10x9mm + 8x7mm for less weight. The weight difference is about 20g (about half of the tube weight). For your first frame and heavier builds i suggest using the thicker ones.

The carbon rods are glued to the plastic parts using CA-glue (superglue) and/or epoxide resin. For the connections that will take the blunt of the force i've found that epoxide is superior regarding impact resistance. I added a picture that shows where epoxide is ideally used. CA also works though. Aber gluing you'll see that it creates a crazy strong connection.

For 3d-printing you can use PLA and it will work, however it'll break easier in case of a crash. Better use nylon or ideally carbon-infused Nylon (this also prints easier than pure nylon).

1. extremely modular

There are many tubes all around that you can easily attach different mounts to. Want a vertically mounted ELRS antenna? Well, there is a mount for that. Basically anything is possible. I will gladly help with a certain mount if you provide me with details.

There is a growing discord channel where all your questions will be answered. Link at the top.

I uploaded the files for a "classic" build, with the electronics in the front and battery on the back. There is about 30mm distance in between, which should be enough for a Caddx Vista Air Unit + FC & ESC stack.

Also i added files for my setup, which is a GoPro, as well as a Caddx Vista DJI camera + CrossFire Immortal-T antenna.

1. build at home without the need of a CNC workshop

Well, you only need to buy the carbon tubes, a saw and a 3d printer.

1. costs just around 15-20 bucks

Carbon rods go for a few bucks per meter. And the filament also costs a few cents. So lets say 20$ in total.

Important information:

Length of the carbon tubes, please see the attached drawing.

Cutting them roughly is good enough, a milimeter more or less is not too much of a problem.

Further tipps:

as carbon rods have a rather low tolerance, they can easily actually be 0,1 - 0,3mm more thick or thin than they should be. Therefore you'll most likely need to file up the difference. file as long as needed until the PLA parts can be pushed on the rods with medium resistance. They shouldn't flow freely, but also it shouldn't be too hard to move them. Otherwise the PLA will break

If the PLA should break, just superglue it back together. Use activator spray to save time

I added an image showing the ideal orientation for printing that will provide the best strength.

Before putting on the glue:

make sure that all parts are in the right place. The middle part will strongly help in doing so.

in order to easily mount everything together, put in the stiffeners last

place the frame on a flat surface. All motor mounts should touch the ground. If they don't, twist the frame around until they do

Thats it for now, i'll update the instructions over time.

Category: R/C Vehicles