Eagler's Nest
Airframes => Single Seaters => Topic started by: Rick on November 08, 2026, 03:15:06 PM
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Hi Folks,
I plan on using a welded aluminum tank because the plan is to use auto fuel with all the additives, which possibly may breakdown ProSeal/polysulfide sealants and PVC. So, a few Eagler's discussed the MiniMax Wing Tank . . . perfect. Contacted them and it seems the fuel outlet shown in the website picture is not available, just fit the tank to your wing then add the fittings, filler neck is still included with the tank.
So I spent a week learning to TIG aluminum to add the fittings on a MiniMax tank, by the way aluminum is way different than 4130 or 304 stainless steel. However with this knowledge why not just weld the whole tank?
Chuck in Indiana's build had a reply on page #29 from "Tom H" which included a very nice tank for his Double Eagle . . . very nice design, but requires 2 long welds on the bottom. There was also great advice about tacking and moving around to limit heat buildup etc.during the weld, which helped a LOT in my week of aluminum weld training.
https://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?topic=2197.msg14251%23msg14251
40 years ago when I was involved in metal fabrication (not aluminum, 300 series stainless and other steel alloys), we would design without the long welds on the bottom, with great success - diagram attached. Of coarse we had precise hydraulic brake machines, I'll be working a $70 HF hand brake and Toolmaker's Blue Layout Ink, but possible . . . . . I think.
My question to the group: is there a reason aluminum tanks are not done this way?
Thank you for reading! Rick
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Thanks Rick for starting this thread. It's time for me to start building a tank as well, so this will give me much fuel for thought.
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If I had it to do over again.. ::) I would design it so I was only welding on edges. Welding where it is folded over warps in front of the bead.
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Thanks Rick for starting this thread. It's time for me to start building a tank as well, so this will give me much fuel for thought.
You're welcome Brock. I'm a few steps behind you and have been following your build all along . . . great work and postings. Keep them coming!