The "Housewitzser LST2" is born...
 

I have finally started the tear down and carbon rebuild of an LST II. Upon first impressions of the tear down, the aluminum used in this rig is less than desirable. Although light weight, it bends quickly and has to go. In its place will be cut and shaped 3.5mm carbon fiber. Twice as thick and far more rigid but just as light, it will make for a far more sturdy, far more beastly rig. Coupled with the unbridled power of the 1717 on 6s...this is going to be a fun build.

Here are the old chassis parts...

The "Housewitzser LST2"
 

Here is the carbon fiber plate that will become the new chassis.

Looks like a good start. It should be an interesting build.

Nick

I have been thinking of doing the same with my Cen Genesis but I'm having a hard time. cutting and finishing the carbon properly, what do you use to get. clean professional cuts? a jig saw is what I use but that may not
be the right tool for the job.

I use a dremel metal cutoff wheel to make the big cuts and finish things up using the original parts as templates and the little drum sander to smooth all the edges. For the servo placements, I drill holes at each corner so I don't cut into the chassis. I set up my shop vac to catch the dust. I tried using a band saw but the cf just ate up the blades.

This should be fun!

I'm impatient when cutting. I use a 4" grinder. The thinnest metal cutting blade you can get will slice and dice much faster than a dremel:mdr:

I use an angle grinder too, but a big 9.5" one, with a stone cutting diamond disc about 6" dia, The cuts are not the thinnest so there is a lot of dust and it is best done outdoors with mask and gloves at least, but an 18" cut takes just a few seconds, and the cuts are straight as an arrow and with no tearing like a hacksaw can leave or jagies like a dremel can leave, and require no further sanding to finish unless you want to bevel the edges.

Once the cuts are made and beveled/cleaned up if needed sealing the cut edges of the CF with thin Cyno to help prevent de-lamination.

No need to remind; Please guys, safety!
Carbon Fiber dust is not good for health, safety glasses and mouth cover if possible.

google it.

but man i tell you Carbon Fiber is a great material. watching to see how it comes out ;)

RCS,

Thanks for the look out. I am well versed in working with the stuff after my first two builds. A good shop vac is the best when making cuts.

Progress update
 

After many long hours of shaping cutting and drilling, the chassis plate and upper pieces are done. I sealed the exposed edges with wheel glue. Not bad work for a guy with a dremel and a shop vac. I will post pics later.

a wet tile saw is the way to go for big straight cuts:yes:

More updates...
 

I finally got a chance to do a full test fit of all the chassis part and everything is tight as a drum. I have a few parts on order but I should have a complete roller in about a week.

The "Housewitzer LST2" update...
 

After re-cutting the bottom skid plate and making countless adjustments to the carbon fiber, I finally got the Housewitzer assembled and awaiting electronics. It is going to be a pure joy to fire this thing up.

That looks great! Very well done. :)