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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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