After flying the starduster for a couple of years, it seems like the pilots control stick is becoming more and more sloppy. Or I'm just looking for another project.. who knows. The stick is currently constructed per the plans with a 3/8" .065 tube reamed out to 1/4" for the pivot point. This connection has slop in all directions. I suspect the hole has elongated or maybe it was drilled out too large to begin with. After looking at other designs i am thinking about replacing the existing set up with bearings similar to the Pitts design. What I have in mind is two KP4 bearings in a 4130 1" .049 wall tube. I would jig up the control stick, drill out he existing pivot point with a 1" hole saw the weld in the new bearing set up. I would probably need to add strapping around the connection, I am not sure how strength would be lost by drilling a 1" hole through the 1 5/16" tube then welding up the seam. What are ya'lls thoughts on this?
A picture of the stick plans are attached
A picture of the stick plans are attached
