Pietenpol-List Digest Archive

Tue 12/02/03


Total Messages Posted: 14



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 04:13 AM - Re: Piets in central NC? ()
     2. 07:05 AM - Re: Piets in central NC? (piet@pointdx.com)
     3. 02:41 PM - Building efficiently (Mike B.)
     4. 03:36 PM - Re: Building efficiently (w b evans)
     5. 03:54 PM - Re: Building efficiently (Jack Phillips)
     6. 04:28 PM - Re: Piets in central NC? (Dmott9@aol.com)
     7. 04:50 PM - Re: Building efficiently (Mike B.)
     8. 06:04 PM - Re: Building efficiently (DJ Vegh)
     9. 06:13 PM - Re: Piets in central NC? (david kowell)
    10. 06:46 PM - Re: Building efficiently (Gnwac@cs.com)
    11. 07:17 PM - Re: Building efficiently (Isablcorky@aol.com)
    12. 08:05 PM - Re: Building efficiently (dave rowe)
    13. 10:27 PM - building efficiently (Clif Dawson)
    14. 11:51 PM - Re: Building efficiently (catdesign@intergate.com)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 04:13:43 AM PST US
    From: <pietflyr@bellsouth.net>
    Subject: Re: Piets in central NC?
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> Hi Mike, I'm in New Hill, NC, about 20 miles SW of Raleigh. My Pietenpol is in the final stages of fabric covering and should fly this spring. You're welcome to come look it over, but might better wait until after Christmas. What with the holiday snad going to Kity Hawk for a week right before Christmas, this is a busy time of year. Send me an email at pietflyr@bellsouth.net. Jack Phillips NX899JP > > From: Mike Burr <piet@pointdx.com> > Date: 2003/12/01 Mon PM 11:21:30 EST > To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com > Subject: Pietenpol-List: Piets in central NC? > >


    Message 2


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    Time: 07:05:44 AM PST US
    From: piet@pointdx.com
    Subject: Re: Piets in central NC?
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: piet@pointdx.com Hi, jack. That's a "fir piece" for me to drive, but I just might be willing. Thanks! I'll be in Kitty Hawk too. I'll look for the guy with the huge grin on his face (because he's building a Piet.) -Mike. Quoting pietflyr@bellsouth.net: > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> > > Hi Mike, > > I'm in New Hill, NC, about 20 miles SW of Raleigh. My Pietenpol is in the > final stages of fabric covering and should fly this spring. You're welcome > to come look it over, but might better wait until after Christmas. What with > the holiday snad going to Kity Hawk for a week right before Christmas, this > is a busy time of year. Send me an email at pietflyr@bellsouth.net. > > Jack Phillips > NX899JP > > > > > From: Mike Burr <piet@pointdx.com> > > Date: 2003/12/01 Mon PM 11:21:30 EST > > To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com > > Subject: Pietenpol-List: Piets in central NC? > > > > > > > > > > >


    Message 3


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    Time: 02:41:45 PM PST US
    From: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com>
    Subject: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible to prevent this. Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of contribution to the Pietenpol community. Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any advice? Things to add? * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build faster.) * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be faster.) * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a big time-killer.) * Covering processes... * Engine choice... * Wing tank vs. belly tank... * Premade metal fittings... Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time saver? A jointer? A Planer?... Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this as a way to keep things interesting. -Mike B.


    Message 4


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    Time: 03:36:37 PM PST US
    From: "w b evans" <wbeevans@verizon.net>
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "w b evans" <wbeevans@verizon.net> Mike, This is one of those strange things that go thru your mind when contimplating building , or any other project. If you were going to take a car apart, you could plan for weeks on what you would do, and how to do it. But until you know whats inside a car, planning beforehand is silly,,,cause you don't know what you're up against. The iodea of building efficiently and building to a schedule doesn't work for me.. Thats called "building to fly" and that's a no-no. Any builder will tell you to "build to build, not build to fly" If you're in a hurry, buy something. I never had a builders log, never punched in and out of my shop. Just enjoyed building, and building till it was done. Now it was four years later. If you calculate all your hours, you'll be making about $2.00 per hour to build. Like a fisherman keeping track of his hours on the lake, to find out how much his fish is worth per pound. For every project flying there are probably 3 more in a dusty basement abandoned cause the project took "way too long". Don't know about anyone else, but I looked forward to my time in the shop( well, my 10x20ft basement, that produced 2 airplanes) Tools??? A 10" bandsaw, a drillpress, and a Dremmel tool. : ) walt evans NX140DL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> Subject: Pietenpol-List: Building efficiently > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought > I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as > possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) > > I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of > backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible > to prevent this. > > Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information > formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of > contribution to the Pietenpol community. > > Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big > difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any > advice? Things to add? > > * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build faster.) > * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be faster.) > * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are > reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a > big time-killer.) > * Covering processes... > * Engine choice... > * Wing tank vs. belly tank... > * Premade metal fittings... > > Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time > saver? A jointer? A Planer?... > > Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this > as a way to keep things interesting. > > -Mike B. > >


    Message 5


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    Time: 03:54:02 PM PST US
    From: "Jack Phillips" <pietflyr@bellsouth.net>
    Subject: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Jack Phillips" <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> Mike, A lot of these questions can be answered by going through the archives of this list, but I will try to answer your questions FROM MY EXPERIENCE. Your mileage my vary. If anyone tried to compile a list of all the possible mistakes that could be made while building a Pietenpol, it would be a long list indeed. My advice - don't worry about the mistakes, just don't let them fly on your plane. I've learned a lot from building my Pietenpol, mostly from the mistakes I've made. If I built another Piet, I know I could build a better plane in half the time for 2/3 the cost of this one. But I wouldn't learn as much. One Piece versus three piece wing? Build what you like - there are advantages and disadvantages either way. When I started my project, I didn't have room for a one-piece wing so it was a moot point. Now, I have plenty of room and if I had the house I have now when I started, I would have built the one piece wing, because it is lighter. Lightness is EVERYTHING in these birds. I've read estimates of up to 15 lbs for the difference in weight between the one piece and three piece wings. I believe it - those fittings and extra hardware required are heavy and add exactly nothing to the flying qualities of the airplane. The three piece version is certainly easier to handle during construction, but if you want something easy to handle during construction, build a model airplane. Jenny Style vs. Cub style gear (actually "Cub Style is a misnomer, since the "improved"" Air Camper predates the J-3 by 5 years and even predates the E-2 Taylor Cub slightly). Build what you like. Cub style is probably easier to build (I dunno, but it can't be much harder than the Jenny Style I built), and probably has better ground handling characteristics. It certainly is the more popular of the two. I built the Jenny style because I like the look of it. Either will work well, if properly constructed. Once the basic undercarriage is done with the Jenny style, it is easier to align than the Cub Style, because toe-in and camber problems simply cannot exist with the straight axle. Prebuilt ribs. Building ribs is good practice for the rest of the project. If you don't have the discipline to spend 2 to 3 hours building each rib (and there are only 30 of them) how do you think you'll make yourself do the tens of hundreds of hours of often not very fun work building this airplane? I built one rib a night and in a month had all the ribs built. I wish everything else on this project had gone so smoothly. I recommend you build a couple of extra ribs and then break them to see how good your joints are. Good for peace of mind. Covering choices. Good way to start an argument, because every builder on this list KNOWS the process he chose is the best, and everyone else is an idiot. I've covered planes before, with cotton and butyrate dope. This one I covered with the PolyFiber process and love it. I would never consider using anything else, particularly after seeing Stit's video showing how fireproof their system is. I've seen dope finishes on a plane burn up before, and they go up mighty quick! the only thing I don't like about PolyFiber is their prices, but I've got to admit that the quality is there, and I think justifies the price. Engine choice. Obviously, the only logical choice is a 65 hp Continental (what I'm using). Again, whatever you want, just think it through. Don't make a choice based solely on price, or you're likely to be disappointed. Don't worry about the "purists". Bernard H Pietenpol built many different Air Campers, no two of which were alike. He used every engine from a Ford to a Continental to a Lycoming to a LeBlond radial to a Corvair. All were Pietenpols. Whatever you choose, get advice from the people who have SUCCESSFULLY used such an engine in an airplane before. Unless you are a real expert on a particular engine, an untested homebuilt airplane tends to be a pretty poor test bed for an untested auto engine conversion. Wing Tank versus Belly Tank. Again, as most of these questions are - it's a tradeoff. The wing tank offers superior gravity feed, since it is not likely you'd ever put the plane in an attitude where the carburetor is higher than the tank outlet. The wing tank also is a pain to refuel, requiring a ladder. Putting the tank in the wing frees up some space in the fuselage for a baggage compartment, but requires more plumbing. The wing tank makes CG control much easier. I don't think either offers much safety advantage in a crash. Premade metal fittings. Depends on how good you are, or how good you can become at making metal fittings. The problem with premade fittings is that you might be making some modifications to the design that will preclude those fittings from even fitting on your craft. Many of the fittings (such as the landing gear fittings) really need to be custom made to fit your particular aircraft. May advice, before starting to build this plane, buy the first two Tony Bingelis books "The Sportplane Builder" and "Sportplane Construction Techniques". They will tell you everything you need to know about making fittings, and everything else you will need to know or learn during this project. What tool is indispensable? I guess all the metal and wood parts can be cut out with hand tools and made just about any old way. Power tools make it easier and faster. The only tool that I simply couldn't have built this plane without is my oxyacetylene welding rig. Started building a wooden airplane because I didn't know how to weld. Pretty soon you'll realize there is a hell of a lot of welding required on this airplane, and you'll either learn how to do it, or have to find someone to do it for you. I'd recommend learning how yourself. It's a useful skill, it's not hard to learn, and there's a lot of satisfaction in completing a difficult welded assembly. In other words, get the Bingelis books, and then start making mistakes. Pretty soon you will be making good parts, whether ribs or fittings or airframe structure. Just remember that while Pietenpols are a lot of fun to fly, the building process is also fun in and of itself. If it weren't, we would all be assembling cookie-cutter, look-alike kit planes. Just my opinion, remember. Jack -----Original Message----- From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mike B. Subject: Pietenpol-List: Building efficiently --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible to prevent this. Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of contribution to the Pietenpol community. Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any advice? Things to add? * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build faster.) * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be faster.) * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a big time-killer.) * Covering processes... * Engine choice... * Wing tank vs. belly tank... * Premade metal fittings... Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time saver? A jointer? A Planer?... Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this as a way to keep things interesting. -Mike B.


    Message 6


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    Time: 04:28:19 PM PST US
    From: Dmott9@aol.com
    Subject: Re: Piets in central NC?
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: Dmott9@aol.com In a message dated 12/1/03 11:23:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, piet@pointdx.com writes: > Are there any Aircamper owners/builders within a couple hours drive of > Winston-Salem or Greensboro North Carolina? I'd love the opportunity to > see a real-live Piet and perhaps combine efforts with a local builder. > > Thanks, > Mike. > http://www.skytamer.com/photos/gallery05/g0521.htm Says there is one in the Virginia Aviaton Museum, Sandston (Richmond) Virginia Also I believe Gene Rambo has one in Culpepper, VA probably others around too


    Message 7


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    Time: 04:50:10 PM PST US
    From: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com>
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> Thanks Jack. I'll be digesting all that for a while. Hope to start making mistakes soon. > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Jack Phillips" <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> > > Mike, > > A lot of these questions can be answered by going through the archives of > this list, but I will try to answer your questions FROM MY EXPERIENCE. Your > mileage my vary. [ Excelent, thorough reply. ] > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought > I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as > possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) > > I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of > backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible > to prevent this. > > Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information > formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of > contribution to the Pietenpol community. > > Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big > difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any > advice? Things to add? > > * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build faster.) > * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be faster.) > * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are > reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a > big time-killer.) > * Covering processes... > * Engine choice... > * Wing tank vs. belly tank... > * Premade metal fittings... > > Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time > saver? A jointer? A Planer?... > > Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this > as a way to keep things interesting. > > -Mike B. > > > > > >


    Message 8


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    Time: 06:04:38 PM PST US
    From: "DJ Vegh" <djv@imagedv.com>
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "DJ Vegh" <djv@imagedv.com> my favorite shop tools are my 2 speed bandsaw and my 12" Grizzly disc sander. I have basically built my entire airframe with just those tools (not counting all the basic hand tools of course)..... ohhh another thing... buy LOTS of spring clamps! I got mine at Home Depot for 98 cents each. I must have 40 or 50 of them. There will be times when you will be using all 40 of them at one time! unless you are planning on buyng raw planks.... a jointer and planer are not needed. I got all my wood from AS&S and Wicks and it was machined to size ready for use. DJ Vegh N74DV Mesa, AZ www.imagedv.com/aircamper -


    Message 9


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    Time: 06:13:11 PM PST US
    From: "david kowell" <dkowell@cstone.net>
    Subject: Re: Piets in central NC?
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "david kowell" <dkowell@cstone.net> i know of a builder in clarksville va ----- Original Message ----- From: <Dmott9@aol.com> Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Piets in central NC? > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: Dmott9@aol.com > > In a message dated 12/1/03 11:23:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, > piet@pointdx.com writes: > > > Are there any Aircamper owners/builders within a couple hours drive of > > Winston-Salem or Greensboro North Carolina? I'd love the opportunity to > > see a real-live Piet and perhaps combine efforts with a local builder. > > > > Thanks, > > Mike. > > > http://www.skytamer.com/photos/gallery05/g0521.htm > > Says there is one in the Virginia Aviaton Museum, Sandston (Richmond) Virginia > > Also I believe Gene Rambo has one in Culpepper, VA > probably others around too > >


    Message 10


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    Time: 06:46:26 PM PST US
    From: Gnwac@cs.com
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: Gnwac@cs.com Piet-ers, Since we are on the subject of tools, I'm receiving a Rotorzip with the metal grinder and sander attachment, and a 9 inch band saw for Christmas. I had seen a sheet metal nibbler that can cut from 22 to 19g at Habor Freight. Should I invest in this nibbler too? Greg Menoche Delaware


    Message 11


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    Time: 07:17:00 PM PST US
    From: Isablcorky@aol.com
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: Isablcorky@aol.com Sir: May I suggest that you not try to digest the entire building process in one meal. Building a Piet IS nothing more than completing one little task after another. The entire airplane is the sum of many, many completed small tasks. Try not to think too far ahead. Be patient and complete the small jobs with precision and the big jobs will fall in place. Corky


    Message 12


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    Time: 08:05:59 PM PST US
    From: dave rowe <rowed044@shaw.ca>
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: dave rowe <rowed044@shaw.ca> I learned an awful lot by going to websites, mykitplanes.com for ex, and DJ Vegh's excellent site. A little research shows what works and what doesn't, and how others deal with similar problems. The ribs are no biggy, I did mine in a week with one jig, but I spent two days just building one test rib, and then mass-producing all the parts. You can check out my stuff at mykitplanes.com to see how I did it. I spent a couple of weeks before I got the plans checking out everyone elses stuff, and then deciding on what I needed to do. I am doing the three-piece wing, because I work at an airport, and our Squadron has a storage facility where I can park the plane at no cost, but I have to wheel it through a vehicle gate. I'm going with a Subaru or Geo Metro, because I have rebuilt a Soob for another aircraft, and am very familiar with both. I think the single most valuable tool for me has been this group, and the builder's sites. Second to that would be my japanese saw and my spokeshaves. Most important is to have fun, and have a comfy chair in the shop to just sit in and contemplate zen and airplane construction, and imagine the completion of a dream. "Mike B." wrote: > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > Thanks Jack. I'll be digesting all that for a while. Hope to start > making mistakes soon. > > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Jack Phillips" <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> > > > > Mike, > > > > A lot of these questions can be answered by going through the archives of > > this list, but I will try to answer your questions FROM MY EXPERIENCE. Your > > mileage my vary. > > [ Excelent, thorough reply. ] > > > > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > > > Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought > > I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as > > possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) > > > > I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of > > backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible > > to prevent this. > > > > Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information > > formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of > > contribution to the Pietenpol community. > > > > Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big > > difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any > > advice? Things to add? > > > > * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build faster.) > > * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be faster.) > > * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are > > reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a > > big time-killer.) > > * Covering processes... > > * Engine choice... > > * Wing tank vs. belly tank... > > * Premade metal fittings... > > > > Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time > > saver? A jointer? A Planer?... > > > > Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this > > as a way to keep things interesting. > > > > -Mike B. > > > > > > > > > > > > >


    Message 13


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    Time: 10:27:41 PM PST US
    From: Clif Dawson <cdawson5854@shaw.ca>
    Subject: building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: Clif Dawson <cdawson5854@shaw.ca> I like all your answers to this question. For myself, when a project is finished my hands itch until I have a tool ( No! not that one, you dirty minded devils! ) and some wood in my hands. Then life is good. And DJ, what are you doing buying clamps when there's so much 4" black drain pipe out there! http://www.mykitplane.com/Planes/photoDisplay.cfm?PhotoName=IMG_0563.jpg&PhotoID=1294 Clif


    Message 14


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    Time: 11:51:19 PM PST US
    From: "catdesign@intergate.com" <catdesign@intergate.com>
    Subject: Re: Building efficiently
    --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "catdesign@intergate.com" <catdesign@intergate.com> I agree with Jack Phillip, he summed it up quite nicely. I also agree with Dave Rowe that this is one of my most often used tools along with all the pictures I have downloaded from the Internet and pictures some of you have sent to me. The only thing I have to add is this, Don't wait until you "have time" or "have the money" to start building. You will never have enough time or money so you might as well get on with it. Like my grandpa always told me, if you have the time your probably wasting it in a pine box and if you have the money you've probably collect on your life insurance. Not to toot my own horn here but, We live on a single income (almost unheard of in California), we have a mortgage, a 2 1/2 year old son and baby girl on the way in January. Basically, I have no time or money. If I can get one hour of building/zen time in the garage a day I feel lucky. Fortunately I have a very limited building fund. All this has worked out great because I build as fast as my fun money can support. I have no problem saying I have been working on my fuselage for 2 1/2 years and it's still not finished. I totally enjoy the time I do get to work on it and every hour spent building is one hour closer to flying. My son loves to be in the garage "helping" Dad. If you have never built anything with a 2 year old helping it's quite a hoot. We play a lot and build a little. My wife likes it because she gets some alone time. Do like Corky said and build lots of small pieces that some day you can bolt together and make an airplane. It really does not cost that much to build if you spread the cost over several months. You don't have to buy all the stuff now. I order stuff for sub assemblies, such as wing ribs, tail feathers, fuselage, metal for the controls etc. Probably the most expensive thing in that list was the fuselage wood. Each sub assembly will last you a couple months, for us slower builders that is. The controls alone lasted me 9 months of shear frustration and lots of learning. Now I am ready for some landing gear, if I can just decide strait or split, I like both. Sure it costs you more for shipping but I can stomach a few extra bucks a little at a time. My advice is to buy some wood for the wing ribs (about 120 bucks if I recall). Buy a good Japanese saw or Dovetail saw and start chopping. Some where down the line buy a cheap set of chisels (keep them sharp), a grinder (more power is better but don't go over board), a small gas welder, and lots of clamps (spring and C clamps, I also use 1" binder clips) you will never have enough clamps. I have used my router, drill press, hack saw and wood band saw. Haven't had to use the table saw much. When anyone asks me when the plane will be done I reply Well, you know what they say "Build them like you want them to fly" so I figure, she's flies slow therefor I should build slow. Chris T. Sacramento, Ca Do not archive Quoting Dave rowe <rowed044@shaw.ca>: > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: dave rowe <rowed044@shaw.ca> > > I learned an awful lot by going to websites, mykitplanes.com for ex, and > DJ Vegh's excellent site. A little research shows what works and what > doesn't, and how others deal with similar problems. The ribs are no > biggy, I did mine in a week with one jig, but I spent two days just > building one test rib, and then mass-producing all the parts. You can > check out my stuff at mykitplanes.com to see how I did it. I spent a > couple of weeks before I got the plans checking out everyone elses > stuff, and then deciding on what I needed to do. I am doing the > three-piece wing, because I work at an airport, and our Squadron has a > storage facility where I can park the plane at no cost, but I have to > wheel it through a vehicle gate. I'm going with a Subaru or Geo Metro, > because I have rebuilt a Soob for another aircraft, and am very familiar > with both. I think the single most valuable tool for me has been this > group, and the builder's sites. Second to that would be my Japanese saw > and my spokeshaves. Most important is to have fun, and have a comfy > chair in the shop to just sit in and contemplate zen and airplane > construction, and imagine the completion of a dream. > > "Mike B." wrote: > > > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > > > Thanks Jack. I'll be digesting all that for a while. Hope to start > > making mistakes soon. > > > > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Jack Phillips" > <pietflyr@bellsouth.net> > > > > > > Mike, > > > > > > A lot of these questions can be answered by going through the archives > of > > > this list, but I will try to answer your questions FROM MY EXPERIENCE. > Your > > > mileage my vary. > > > > [ Excelent, thorough reply. ] > > > > > > > > --> Pietenpol-List message posted by: "Mike B." <piet@pointdx.com> > > > > > > Having not lifted a finger toward building an airplane yet, I thought > > > I'd try to use my current free time by giving as much thought as > > > possible to how to build efficiently (time wise.) > > > > > > I understand that a certain number of mistakes and a certain amount of > > > backpedaling will be inevitable, but I'd like to do everything possible > > > to prevent this. > > > > > > Has anyone gone to the trouble of compiling this type of information > > > formally? I'd love to be able to say that I made some kind of > > > contribution to the Pietenpol community. > > > > > > Here are some high-level decisions that I think may make a big > > > difference in build time (forgetting all other factors for now.) Any > > > advice? Things to add? > > > > > > * One-piece wing vs. There piece. (Seems like one-piece would build > faster.) > > > * Jenny-style gear vs. Cub style. (Seems like Cub style would be > faster.) > > > * Prebuilt ribs (I haven't' figured out for sure whether these are > > > reliably available, but it does seem like making ribs ends up being a > > > big time-killer.) > > > * Covering processes... > > > * Engine choice... > > > * Wing tank vs. belly tank... > > > * Premade metal fittings... > > > > > > Additionally, can anyone suggest a tool that ended up being a real time > > > saver? A jointer? A Planer?... > > > > > > Understand that I'm not out to make a shoddy airplane, I just see this > > > as a way to keep things interesting. > > > > > > -Mike B. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------




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