I was thinking it might be better to plan for routing wires for a PTT switch on the stick now - maybe easier before I close the bottom of the sticks. I asked the group for input and I like what Ron Jones did. He ran the wires out at the location of the pivot bolt - center of rotation.
Ron was working with closed sticks and it took him 2 hours so I was hoping it would be quicker doing it before I closed the bottom.
I drilled the hole then with the assistance of an air hose at the base I blew a sting up through the hole and tube around the sharp corners and to the top. Then I used the string to pull 2 stainless steel wires back through the tubes. I worked pretty slick. Now when it's time to run the PTT wires I can easily pull them through.
With that done I finished up the bottoms of the sticks and connected the cross link. I made the .100 bottom piece and .071 washers for the sticks. Then I welded the washers on the pieces. I cut the "V" in the bottom of the tubes and used the smooshing tool to press them closed to .100. I made the tapper by offsetting the tool in the vise. Last step was fitting the sticks and tack welding to check for fit then final welding. The stick assembly has been a fun part to make!
I started on the elevator arms but didn't finish them yet.
