---------------------------------------------------------- Zenith-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sat 06/26/04: 33 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:04 AM - Re: cutting thick aluminum (Bryan Martin) 2. 12:23 AM - Re: Cordless Drill (Bryan Martin) 3. 05:14 AM - Re: Cordless Drill (Andrew SanClemente) 4. 05:17 AM - Re: 601XL Build Order (Al Young) 5. 05:27 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Al Young) 6. 06:16 AM - Re: Cordless Drill (Dave & Darlene) 7. 06:22 AM - The Annual Inspection - Powerplant; a new video (Aircraft Technical Book Company) 8. 06:26 AM - Instrument panel lip edging. (Larry Martin) 9. 06:45 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Benford2@aol.com) 10. 06:55 AM - Re: Cordless Drill (Larry McFarland) 11. 06:55 AM - Re: Position of canopy hinge blocks (Larry McFarland) 12. 07:05 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Larry McFarland) 13. 07:07 AM - Re: Drills (Phil Raker) 14. 08:00 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Jeffrey Davidson) 15. 08:30 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Jack Russell) 16. 08:34 AM - Re: Another bird in the air. (David Barth) 17. 08:48 AM - Air bags (Garrou, Douglas) 18. 08:51 AM - Re: 601XL Build Order (Gig Giacona) 19. 09:04 AM - 701 rear root doubler () 20. 09:23 AM - Re: Re: 601XL Build Order (Joemotis@aol.com) 21. 09:41 AM - Re: Cordless Drill (Graham Kirby) 22. 09:44 AM - Re: Re: 601XL Build Order (wizard-24@juno.com) 23. 09:44 AM - Re: Wheel Fairings and L angles (wizard-24@juno.com) 24. 01:28 PM - Zenith Open House (Mike Fothergill) 25. 02:13 PM - Re: cutting thick aluminum (DEGlass1@aol.com) 26. 02:31 PM - Re: cutting thick aluminum (Joemotis@aol.com) 27. 02:34 PM - Form Blocks 601 XL (Bob Reinero) 28. 07:58 PM - Re: cutting thick aluminum (Scott Laughlin) 29. 08:35 PM - Re: Another bird in the air. (Brett) 30. 09:52 PM - Re: Re: 601XL Build Order (nhulin) 31. 09:52 PM - U.S.A Trip (Dave & Darlene) 32. 10:07 PM - Re: Wheel Fairings and L angles (nhulin) 33. 10:18 PM - Re: 601XL Build Order (Mike H) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:04:25 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: cutting thick aluminum From: Bryan Martin --> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin on 6/25/04 9:42 PM, Richard Vetterli at richvetterli@yahoo.com wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Richard Vetterli > > What are people using to cut the thick stock when it's > an irregular shape? I'm stuck on the rear attachment > for the stabilizer on the 601XL. It's made from > channel stock and I need to trim the sides down. Hard > to get at it on the bandsaw and it kicks my dremmel > tool's butt. I'm still a novice at this and could use > some sage advise. > Thanks, > Rich Vetterli, San Leandro, CA > 601XL W/ W.W. Corvair conversion > > I used a hack saw on some of the thicker stuff. I had to turn the blade sideways on some of it. It's a little slow sometimes but that means you're less likely to screw it up. 24 tpi works best. Get some good files to clean up the edges. -- Bryan Martin N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru. Construction complete. Getting the paperwork in order. do not archive. ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 12:23:17 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill From: Bryan Martin --> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin on 6/25/04 11:19 PM, Dave VanLanen at davevanlanen@sbcglobal.net wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave VanLanen" > > > Hello, > > > My name is Dave Van Lanen. I am interested in the Zenith 601 series > aircraft, and am currently evaluating whether I want to build one of these > kits. > > > In shopping for such a drill, I learned that the highest RPM available in a > cordless is about 2000 RPM, and these drills are large, heavy, and expensive > ($270 to $400). The smaller, lighter cordless drills have speeds under 1000 > RPM. The only drills I can find that meet the above requirements are A/C > (plug-in) drills. > > > Thank you. > > > Dave Van Lanen > > davevanlanen@sbcglobal.net > > Madison, WI > The best tool for drilling aluminum is a pneumatic drill. But, you need a high volume compressor and a fairly beefy source of power for that. I live in an apartment and have no garage so I built my plane in a 24' cargo trailer in a outdoor storage lot. I got my power from a receptacle on the side of one of the storage sheds through 150' of extension cord so I could barely get 10 amps to work with. I built most of my plane using a DeWalt 14.5 volt cordless drill. I found that the 18 volt models were too heavy and awkward. After someone stole my DeWalt, I went out and bough a 14.5 volt Makita. This is a better drill than the DeWalt and about the fastest I could find. Using a slower drill just means you'll be doing more deburring. The really fast drills cut a nice clean hole that needs little deburring. -- Bryan Martin N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru. Construction complete. Getting the paperwork in order. do not archive. ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:14:53 AM PST US From: Andrew SanClemente Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill --> Zenith-List message posted by: Andrew SanClemente If you don't want to (or can't) go pneumatic, a DeWalt (or comparable) is not a bad way to go. I have used a DeWalt DW959K-2, which is a 18V cordless, and it has served me quite well. Another useful item is a right angle drill, the DeWalt DW955K-2 is nice. You don't have to use DeWalt, there are several other brands that make basically the same stuff and you can get them all at Home Depot or Lowes. Good Luck Andy DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:17:56 AM PST US From: "Al Young" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601XL Build Order --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Al Young" Greg- This has been debated before and there is no answer except your own preference. The key, at least to me is that the further on you get, the less detail is available in the instruction from ZAC. I would suggest that you start with the rudder, stablizer, alierons, flaps, wings and finally the fuselage, in that order. You will develope the skills in the early stages to interpret the directions provided in the latter stages, which are not as detailed. Make sense? Good luck, go slow, enjoy the experience. Al Young 601XL- installing the canopy. ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 05:27:26 AM PST US From: "Al Young" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Al Young" Michael- Congrats!! I am soooo jealous. Keep us informed on the numbers as you progress. Regards, Al Young 601XL - 80% done ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:16:57 AM PST US From: "Dave & Darlene" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave & Darlene" By trade I'm a contractor and use drills quite a bit. as far as an electric drill most of the better known drills will have good torque and last forever. Don't cheap out on the drill. Otherwise you'll be complaining about it later wishing you would of bought a good one. As for corless drills, I've had quite a few and found that the Makita surpasses the others as far as torque, battery life and life expectancy. They are expensive. I have a18 volt Makita which is probably overkill for plane building but never having to worry about speed and drilling power has it's advantages and it's one less thing to worry about. If you have access to power the I would go electric as they are fairly inexpensive and you end up with a high speed drill which you can purchase attachments for getting into tight areas. Dave (Alberta) 601XL Most of rudder bent Wing forms done Collecting metal Do Not Archive ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Joemotis@aol.com > > Pneumatic! And be prepared to buy a whole lot more than what ZAC recommends. > Clecoes(lots) rivet fans, right angle drill for some of the tight spots, > metric rulers, 2 hand riveters (unless you want to change heads every time you > turn around) and 2 pneumatic drills because it is a pain to keep changing bits > and lots of clamps, sharpies by the box (the fine line wears out fast) and > if you are going to prime the entire airframe some kind of spray setup. And > that is the short list. Hole saws, instrument punches, crimping tools, crimper > for control cables,soldering iron and a lot of this type equipment can > sometimes be borrowed but sometimes it is easier just to buy it. And, do not forget > a good vise and a drill press is nice, also good lighting is very important. > Now I am sure that some of the comments will say you can build it with a > rock and a tape measure, IMHO, the better equipped that you are, the better (and > less frustrating) the construction process goes. > Joe Motis > 601XL > > Do not archive > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:22:04 AM PST US From: "Aircraft Technical Book Company" Subject: Zenith-List: The Annual Inspection - Powerplant; a new video --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Aircraft Technical Book Company" I don't normally spam on this list, but I've been working on this video for about a year, its my first one, and I'm kinda proud of it. So here goes: THE ANNUAL INSPECTION - POWERPLANT 55 minutes Follow Westwood College of Aviation A&P instructors Tim Guerrera and Vaughn Dowell through a step by step demonstration of an annual inspection of the powerplant section of a Lycoming 0-360. This video explains every step of the process from an initial AD search to the final log entries. Each procedure is detailed including compression check, ignition timing, spark plug service, exhaust pressure check, oil change, fuel system, propeller, electrical system, etc..... , showing the proper techniques along with plenty of professional hints and tips. A final segment details safety wiring techniques as used throughout the powerplant section. Most of this video was filmed at Westwood College in Denver using a Piper Archer, however a few segments were done locally in Granby, CO with my RV-6A and hangarmate Dave Cook's RV-6. available now in DVD and VHS from Builder's Bookstore http://www.buildersbooks.com/annual_inspection_powerplant.htm 800 780-4115 ...and to sweeten up the spam, mention "Matronics" when you order and get 25% off through the end of June. Thanks, Andy RV-6A N-5060 flying ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 06:26:20 AM PST US From: "Larry Martin" Subject: Zenith-List: Instrument panel lip edging. --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry Martin" Here is the lip edging I finally decided on. I got it and it works great. It is at www.mcmaster.com. I was concerned about the 3/8" opening, but the opening edges meet, so it works great. Just a little silicone inside it and push it on. part #8507K34 Push-On Neoprene Rubber Edge Trim 3/8" Opening, 25/32" Inside Depth $2.21 Larry Martin N1345L --- ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 06:45:39 AM PST US From: Benford2@aol.com Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: Benford2@aol.com Congrats..... Bee Haas N801BH do not archive ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 06:55:24 AM PST US From: "Larry McFarland" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" > > My name is Dave Van Lanen. I am interested in the Zenith 601 series > aircraft, and am currently evaluating whether I want to build one of these > kits. > > I would appreciate any information that you could provide me on what drills > Zenith builders have found to meet these requirements, and that work well > for them. Dave, I've used a Black and Decker 14-Volt variable speed Cordless thru the entire build of my HDS and the two batteries with charger worked great. Replaced one battery at the end of the 4th year. Good luck, Larry McFarland 601HDS @ www.macsmachine.com do not archive ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 06:55:24 AM PST US From: "Larry McFarland" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Position of canopy hinge blocks --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" Bill, Why are you doing the side-opening version instead of the forward opening canopy? It's much simpler to do and a little easier to use as well. ZAC will send the added drawings if you ask. Larry McFarland do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Steer" Subject: Zenith-List: Position of canopy hinge blocks > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Bill Steer" > > I'm just starting on the canopy for my 601HD and am concerned about the lateral position of the canopy hinge blocks. The blocks, from ZAC, have the "holes" offset from the center, as shown in the sketch above the lock handle on 6-E-2, with about 5 mm of block outside the outer edge of the tube. If I position the block so the outer edge is flush with the outside of the skin, the hole for the machine screw is only 5 mm from the inside edge of the top longeron. > > What have you experts done? How many mm are the holes from the outside of the skin, for example? > > Thanks for your help. > > Bill > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 07:05:28 AM PST US From: "Larry McFarland" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michel Therrien" Subject: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. > Five years ago, I did not know how to hold a drill, ... now, I > built an aircraft that flies! I want to thank > everyone who supported me during this process. > Aircraft: CH601-HD, TTSN 1h25 > Engine: self-rebuilt Subaru EA-81, dual ignition > (Nippodenso/GM), Reduction belt redrive > Propeller: Warp Drive std blades, HP hub, SAE1 pattern > > Michel :-) Congratulations Michel! Now you've got to convert from builder to Pilot. Nice work. You've done a really great job. Enjoy and fly safe! Larry Do not archive ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 07:07:43 AM PST US From: Phil Raker Subject: Zenith-List: Re: Drills --> Zenith-List message posted by: Phil Raker Dave, I have bult my entire plane using only a DeWalt 12-Volt cordless drill. It has worked flawlessly throughout the process. I would buy another one and would recommend it to anyone searching for a drill. I'd say nothing less than 12-volt (you'll sometimes need that torque), but 12 is certainly adequate and makes for a more manageable package during "continuous" use. It's lighter than most of the more powerful models. A very useful tool! Phil Raker N556P HDS/Stratus ~85% complete --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave VanLanen" My old cordless drill died, and I am going to purchase a new one. __________________________________ http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 08:00:47 AM PST US From: "Jeffrey Davidson" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jeffrey Davidson" Michel, A very special congratulations from another builder that jumped into this adventure without any experience at all. It is absolutely incredible what you have accomplished. And a note of thanks to Chris Heintz and family too for making several of us believe that we could achieve such an accomplishment without any real basis on our own part to think so. Jeff Davidson CH601-HD - finishing up the fuselage do not archive ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 08:30:44 AM PST US From: Jack Russell Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jack Russell Michel: Congratulations and thanks! I have followed your progress for quite some time now because I have used your site for reference many times. I felt that I was right there in your build process and what a wonderful feeling now that your plane flies! Jack Russell do not archive Michel Therrien wrote: --> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien Hello gang! Well, friday at 9h15, another plane defied gravity. ======== ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 08:34:28 AM PST US From: David Barth Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: David Barth That is AWESOME Michel. Contratulations on getting over any and all obstacles to realize this dream. Keep us posted on your progress. David do not archive > Well, friday at 9h15, another plane defied gravity. ===== David Barth 601 XL Plansbuilder 15% done? Making Spars - ready for Chromate and riveting __________________________________ http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 08:48:47 AM PST US Subject: Zenith-List: Air bags From: "Garrou, Douglas" --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Garrou, Douglas" The latest AOPA Pilot magazine here in the U.S. has a story about airbags for GA aircraft (mounted in seatbelts, very clever). It notes that these have been installed in the Alarus CH2000 (which we all know is really a 601 with yokes....) and notes that "Zenith Aircraft also recently committed to the technology." Has anyone heard anything about this? If the price was right, these might be a welcome addition to any Zenith kitplane. Cheers Doug Project801 www.garrou.com ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 08:51:36 AM PST US From: "Gig Giacona" Subject: Zenith-List: Re: 601XL Build Order --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Gig Giacona" One thing to think about when it comes to build order is that as you go through the construction manual in the order it was written. Zenith starts to assume that you know things and leaves them out. If a first time builder tried to build the Fuselage first the manual would be almost usless. --- ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 09:04:54 AM PST US From: Subject: Zenith-List: 701 rear root doubler --> Zenith-List message posted by: Hoping someone can clarify a measurement B4 I drill. Looking at the plans, the location of the rear root doubler 7V4-3 is found by measuring 247mm from the centre of rib #1 to the centre of the inboardmost set of A5 holes. I've noted on the photos of this assembly that the doubler appears to end up flush with the end of the .32 rear channel. ( This seems right to me ?? ) HOWEVER, using the measurements shown on the plans, the doubler ends up 10mm past the end of the channel. Is there an error on the plans ?? Should the doubler end up flush with the end of the l=295 rear channel?? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Peter in Canada. MSN Premium with Virus Guard and Firewall* from McAfee Security : 2 months FREE* ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 09:23:45 AM PST US From: Joemotis@aol.com Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Re: 601XL Build Order --> Zenith-List message posted by: Joemotis@aol.com "One thing to think about when it comes to build order is that as you go Through the construction manual in the order it was written. Zenith starts to assume that you know things and leaves them out." Hey Gig, I could not agree more. With errors in the plans and photoguides (I.E., conflicting dimensions) coupled with lousy English has prompted many a post to this list. Also, the pictures seem to sometimes show everything your not looking for. What is the list's opinion of the dual stick mod photo guide? My opinion is embarrasing for ZAC Joe Motis do not archive ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 09:41:35 AM PST US From: "Graham Kirby" Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Cordless Drill --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Graham Kirby" Dave, Take a look at the DeWalt DW980 or similar. I bought one about two years ago from Home Depot for about $180 and I love it. It runs at 1800 RPM and drills much rounder holes than the one it replaces! My old (slow) Ryobi drilled triangles. I looked at the 24v and 18v version and ended up choosing a 12v drill because of the weight. It still has plenty of power for plane building and other jobs around the house. A battery charge lasts several days (at least at my rate of building), and there are two in the kit. If it died today I'd go right out and buy another. Personally, I tried using an air drill and didn't like it. I found the noise of the compressor kicking in when its late in the evening was very distracting and the weight of the air hose was a real nuisance. Graham Kirby 601HD. ------------ My name is Dave Van Lanen. I am interested in the Zenith 601 series aircraft, and am currently evaluating whether I want to build one of these kits. In the meantime, I have a more immediate question. My old cordless drill died, and I am going to purchase a new one. I decided to look on the Zenith website at tool requirements, to make sure that I purchase a drill that will work for the construction of a Zenith. The website recommends an electric drill with 2500+ RPM, and I further learned from the company that I should be looking for the lightest drill possible, and that a cordless drill is preferred. ---------- ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 09:44:41 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Re: 601XL Build Order From: wizard-24@juno.com --> Zenith-List message posted by: wizard-24@juno.com > With errors in the plans and photoguides (I.E., conflicting dimensions) coupled with lousy English has > prompted many a post to this list. This is sooooo true. But I think ZAC could fix this fairly easily. Why don't they simply provide a kit for maybe half price to some willing builder who would write the instructions, photo guide, and perhaps even a construction video log while they build? That would solve a lot of these problems. Wish I had thought of that when I first started, 'cause I would have proposed that to ZAC. Any of you new builders out there that haven't started yet --- hint hint! Mike Fortunato 601XL ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 09:44:41 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Wheel Fairings and L angles From: wizard-24@juno.com --> Zenith-List message posted by: wizard-24@juno.com > When I unpacked the wheel fairings from my kit, I noticed that they > seemed VERY rough. I bought mine a few years ago too, and they're in the same shape as you describe. In fact, mine didn't even come with any mounting hardware. Haven't gotten around to installing them yet, but when I do, I plan to have ZAC send me the missing parts. No sense in asking for new fiberglass parts because they all seem to be in that condition. Mike Fortunato 601XL ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 01:28:47 PM PST US From: Mike Fothergill Subject: Zenith-List: Zenith Open House --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Fothergill Hi; Are there any Canadians planning to fly to Mexico for the open house on August 28th? We have 2 Ch-601's departing on Aug 26th from Baldwin, allowing a day for weather. Mike C-FRND UHS Spinners ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 02:13:47 PM PST US From: DEGlass1@aol.com Subject: Re: Zenith-List: cutting thick aluminum --> Zenith-List message posted by: DEGlass1@aol.com I'm using a scroll saw, with 24-tpi thin metal cutting blades. If I go slowly, and drill pilot holes near any internal corners, I can get really close to any finished shape, cleaning it up with a rasp or small files. The only problem has been finding more of these blades. 5", pin-type. Anyone have any leads? Google didn't offer much, and although shown in their tool catalog, Sears has discontinued them. Thanks- ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 02:31:55 PM PST US From: Joemotis@aol.com Subject: Re: Zenith-List: cutting thick aluminum --> Zenith-List message posted by: Joemotis@aol.com Here is a site with 5" pin type blades for ya _http://www.bearwood.com/P19.pdf_ (http://www.bearwood.com/P19.pdf) JoeMotis do not archive ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 02:34:43 PM PST US From: "Bob Reinero" Subject: Zenith-List: Form Blocks 601 XL --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Bob Reinero" Has anyone a set of form blocks for the 601 XL wing ribs and bulkheads they have finished with and would like to sell. Must be accurate. Please state material used in the construction of the form blocks. I save time and you save money. Pleas contact me via E-mail. with price and pictures. Bob Reinero Work E-mail breinero@ffres.com Hove E-mail reineros@pacbell.net Work Phone 858-626-8253 I am located in San Diego California. ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 07:58:38 PM PST US From: "Scott Laughlin" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: cutting thick aluminum --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Scott Laughlin" Greg and Richard: And anybody else just getting started making parts. A few months ago I purchased a 12" disc sander from Harbor Freight. I started with a bench mounted, belt sander and it just didn't have the power I needed for some things. It's around a hundred bucks on sale and will sand just about anything. It will shape aluminum any way you want it. It also does a great job for final sanding of forming blocks. Here's a link to the item: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43468 I also have a band saw I use to cut any aluminum thicker than 40 thou. The sander finishes up and shapes thick aluminum. I've mentioned before that an electric miter saw with a carbide-tipped (wood-cutting) blade makes straight cuts in a flash through 6061-T6. If you have a table saw with a carbide-tipped blade this will work also for most straight cuts. Since you guys are just getting started, go ahead and save yourself a bunch of trouble and pick up one of these sanders. It sands 4130 really nice too (if you are building your rudder pedals and other steel parts). Keep moving forward, it only gets harder. Scott Laughlin www.cooknwithgas.com ----Original Message Follows---- From: "Greg Lamoree" I just finished cutting that piece. DO NOT ARCHIVE MSN 9 Dial-up Internet Access fights spam and pop-ups now 3 months FREE! http://join.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/ ________________________________ Message 29 ____________________________________ Time: 08:35:03 PM PST US From: "Brett " Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Another bird in the air. --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Brett " Way to go! It really feels great doesn't it. Brett ________________________________ Message 30 ____________________________________ Time: 09:52:59 PM PST US From: "nhulin" Subject: Zenith-List: Re: Re: 601XL Build Order --> Zenith-List message posted by: "nhulin" On: Sat Jun 26 - 9:23 AM Joemotis@aol.com wrote: --> Zenith-List message posted by: Joemotis@aol.com > What is the list's opinion of the dual stick mod photo guide? > My opinion is embarrassing for ZAC Joe, I had no problem with the dual stick mod. The diagrams are all you really need. I didn't look much at the photos themselves but I did read all the words. About the only thing I thought was missing is the cut out in the Cable Control Box sides, but that isn't hard to work out for yourself. > I could not agree more. With errors in the plans and > photoguides (I.E., conflicting dimensions) coupled with lousy English As with any large engineering effort that seeks continual refinement there will be times when discrepancies develop between the published documentation and the actual implementation. One trap I have seen just this weekend when visiting a fellow builder, is using updated drawings with an older kit. You need to be very careful to ensure that you aren't introducing the "errors" yourself. The point in case was that the builder missed the fact that the newer part is called out as 35mm wide whereas the part in his kit is supplied 55mm wide. Simply comparing the part to the original set of drawings resolved the issue conclusively. The words in the updated photo manual describe how to install the 35mm part and therein created the confusion. No harm done, all the information was available and easily understood. The lesson? Don't throw away your original set of drawings or photo manuals if you have an update. Nick also does an excellent job of posting the changes on their web site. You need to review all the information that has been made available to you before you decide that there is an error. On the "Zodiac XL Photo Assembly Guides" page, follow the link to "Drawing Updates". You will find in PDF form, textual summaries of the changes that have been applied to the drawings. I have my drawings ring bound so that I can lay them out flat. For each addendum for each page, I print the changes and tape them to the back of the prior page. I then pencil in the changes on my drawings or otherwise draw attention to something that has changed. When I'm working on that part I should have the best information available. Also, when working on a particular section it is wise to get the latest photo manuals from the web site and print them, keeping in mind that your kit may not have the same parts. All in all it is very hard to fault the quality of the drawings, photo manuals, and the supplied parts. Ask around your EAA chapter to get a sampling of the quality of other vendors documentation. Many were lucky to get an engineering drawing let alone a step by step photo manual. Others may have only a series of photos and have to best guess a lot of the detail. I have a friend in our chapter building a comparable two place high wing kit and I've seen the documentation he got. I wouldn't want to be building that plane as a first project. Instead of moaning to other builders, help everyone out when you eventually find a real error by accurately documenting it and drop an email to the factory. If it is legitimate, then I'm sure that it won't take long to work it's way into the next generation of updates and we'll all benefit from your help. Tailwinds, ...neil 601XL/Corvair Fuselage and stuff --- Email certified virus free when sent from original author. ________________________________ Message 31 ____________________________________ Time: 09:52:59 PM PST US From: "Dave & Darlene" Subject: Zenith-List: U.S.A Trip --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave & Darlene" The wife and I decided it was time for a bit of a break and we're heading south. We'll be heading into the USA at the bottom end of Alberta, head down towards Vegas for a couple days, then head back up the coast towards Vancouver. This is are intended route but may change. The reason I'm posting this is because I'll be in the market for picking up some metal if I can find out where I can grab it in short notice as we're leaving monday night. It's going to be a quick trip as time is limited. I would consider buying off one of you builders. E-mail me off line if you have a suggestion. Dave (Alberta) dnimigon@telusplanet.net XL Plans Only Rudder & Stab parts almost made Wing forms done Waiting on more metal 99% to go ________________________________ Message 32 ____________________________________ Time: 10:07:36 PM PST US From: "nhulin" Subject: Zenith-List: Re: Wheel Fairings and L angles --> Zenith-List message posted by: "nhulin" On: Fri Jun 25 - 6:16 PM Greg Lamoree (zenithlist@randomminds.com) wrote: --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Greg Lamoree" > When I unpacked the wheel fairings from my kit, I noticed that > they seemed VERY rough. In fact, the two halves of each > don't seem to line up very well, and it will take quite a bit > of some kind of filler to make a nice looking / smooth > fairing. Greg, I sent mine back and got another set that are slightly more acceptable but still look like they'll need days of work to clean up. I may yet just return them and buy some from VANS or Spruce. Tailwinds, ...neil 601XL/Corvair Fuselage and stuff --- Email certified virus free when sent from original author. ________________________________ Message 33 ____________________________________ Time: 10:18:59 PM PST US From: "Mike H" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601XL Build Order --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Mike H" zenith said that they have a cd -rom with detailed picture instructions that comes with each xl. Are the instructions improved from before, or are they still vague in the latter stages? Michael Hilderbrand ----- Original Message ----- From: "Al Young" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601XL Build Order > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Al Young" > > Greg- This has been debated before and there is no answer except your own > preference. The key, at least to me is that the further on you get, the > less detail is available in the instruction from ZAC. I would suggest that > you start with the rudder, stablizer, alierons, flaps, wings and finally the > fuselage, in that order. You will develope the skills in the early stages > to interpret the directions provided in the latter stages, which are not as > detailed. Make sense? Good luck, go slow, enjoy the experience. > > Al Young > 601XL- installing the canopy. > >