Putting a list together of the heli building equipment

[Espeefan]

Okay guys, I could use some help here getting a list together for the set-up equipment for my first heli.

From what I gather, I've already got the 'basic' tools I need, but I don't have some of the special set-up tools. I'm trying to get a list together of the stuff I'll be needing. So far I can think of the following -

Ball link sizing tool - maybe?
Ball link pliers
Ball end tool - for threading ball links on, maybe not 100% necessary
Blade balancer
Flybar paddle alignment gauge
Pitch gauge
Dail indicator for cooling fan and shaft - I have acess to a machine shop at work

Anything else? A tool for holding the head level while checking blade pitch? Any recommendations for specific brand name manufacturers who might make the best tools for this kind of stuff?

Thanks!

[Gunner]

Espee,
Crankshaft locking tool, velcro straps, metric socket set, T-handle hex drivers, wire snippers, needle nose pliers, thin and thick CA, after-run oil, 3-in-1 oil, scissors, plastic wire ties, tachometer, remote temp gauge, rubber bands, metric tap-and-die set, glow plug wrench, calipers, I'm trying to think of what else I have in my toolbox. You can get a nice starter tool box and some basic tools from Heliproz. I also bought some tools at Harbor Freight and Northern Hydraulics. Also, Helifreak offers a very nice blade leveling tools if you donate. Minimum donation is $15. You just need to tell them what chopper you have and they'll get the right one for you or make one for you. It works really create for establishing you zero pitch/mid stick adjustment.

[OzarkCopterBum]

http://www.pspmfg.com/IndividualMetricDriversandBlades.html

These are pretty nice. Ball tips on one end and straight hex on the other. The handles are the best I've seen. Only con is that the tool ends are pressed and not machined but I have not stripped or broken one yet.

[Gunner]

Ozark, Espee,
In another post here, someone mentioned McMaster.com. I visited the site. They have some great tools at really good prices. The have a metric set of T-handled hex wrenches at a pretty good price. I already have a metric L-angled set but I find that the T-handle gives you better torque for certain bolts. So take a look at that site for tools, also. I actually have both the L-angle and T-handle hex wrenches. I use both of them lots.

[Rcer22]

A snap ring pliers are good to have too. My heli's autorotation bearing has two of them. And don't forget thread lock for all screws that go into metal and gasket sealer like Ultra Copper for the muffler.

[Espeefan]

Thanks guys. I am only looking for a list of the specialized set-up tools though. I already have allen wrenches, L and T handled, snap ring pliers, wire strippers, lock tite, ect. I've been into RC cars a couple years, plus anything I don't have at home, I have at work.

How much should I figure on spending for the stuff I listed in my original post, and is there a practicular brand I should get because it's better then average?

[Ivan]

beer....

lots and lots of beer....

Beyond that, I have found the ball link sizer indespensable. A loaded checker for the battery is great too.

You may want to invest in a high point for balancing teh clutch and fan assembly.

I use old toothbrush handles in the crank port for a locking tool.

A set of dial calipers (digital if you want to impress your friends). Those things always come in handy.

Oh, one last thing.... A V Blades ball cap. You got to look the part you know :glasses2:

[Espeefan]

Beer? Nah, not a heavy drinker. I have a load tester for the batteries already. Likewise for the digital calpier. :mrgreen: What exactly is a high point? Dail indicator of sorts? Ball cap - got a few laying around. Will I fly better with an A V Blades cap? :mrgreen:

[Ivan]

A highpoint is a balancer, you can get one at your hobby shop. it has a shaft with conical guides that allow the fan, a prop, clutch bell, etc to be mounted and is low friction, so it is fairly accurate.

I don't think the actual brand "Highpoint" is made any more, but there are some decent clones. Ask any older guy at teh LHS, they will know what it is.