CNC Tie Bar (seesaw) Spacers

 

Overview

This is a short review of the CNC seesaw spacers available to replace the plastic equivalent on the Swift rotor head.

The stock parts include the plastic spacer arm and a plastic bush that presses up against the rotor hub bearing. The CNC kit includes the CNC spacer arm and a CNC bush to go with it. Swapping them over is a simple operation that doesn't require any disassembly of the rotor head other than removing the old arm and bushing. Obviously some loctite is now required on the screws that hold the seesaw arm in place but aside from this no extra care needs to be taken in fitting the new arms. All the CNC parts are well made, robust and very cleanly finished in the familiar Century purple.

OK, so having fitted the seesaw arms what's the point / difference?

Well the arm does move a little more freely as the bearing now has the rotor hub bearing now has a metal bush against it rather than plastic but aside from this there is no physical difference. The seesaw will obviously be a little stronger from the upgrade and less likely to break in an unfortunate unplanned meeting with earth.

Aside from these fairly cosmetic items there is no further performance element to the CNC upgrade and no difference would be noticeable in-flight.

Conclusion

The replacement part is well made and does function better than the stock part. Realistically it won't be felt in-flight but should be more robust in a crash. It isn't a performance upgrade nor is it meant to be. This is just one of several parts that can be replaced to get towards a full CNC rotor head.