Folding Drafting Table

A lot has been going on. I decided I wanted a place in the factory where I could keep my plans besides the workbenches. I googled drafting tables and folding drafting tables and saw several, but none that were both cheap and easy to build with what I had access to. So I designed my own.

It turned out great. I used two 1x4x8's. I cut the first one in half and the second one I cut off the thickness if the writing surface which for me was 5/8" then I cut them in half on a 30° angle. I spaced them out the proper distance for the writing surface to slide in snug and clamped them down. 

Then using a 1/4" drill bit I drilled holes 6" from the ends. I was not drilling into studs. Instead I ran a 3"x1/4" bolt through the 1x4's and the sheathing of the wall and used washers and a nut to attach it firmly to the wall. Some 1 1/2" construction screws were added and countersunk to provide more rigidity. I then used eye bolts to attach the cable to. Total cost was less than $20 and it is very solid and folds out of the way when not in use. 

On a side note I have been reading through the Bearhawk Book that came with my plans as well as Russ Erbs CD. I also purchased Volume I of Eric Newton's Build Manual. I am getting excited to get started. 

I unrolled Drawing #7 for the first time today as well. I think I am going to take it to Kinkos and get them to make a copy and then I will do the cut and glue method for transferring it to the formug block. Or if I can find a roll of tracing paper or carbon paper I will do it that way. The point is I am not going to use/disfigure Drawing #7. I want to keep it original. 

EAA workbenches

It seems like a right of passage for home builders to build workbenches for their project therefore I, too, built my EAA workbenches. It took about 4 hours and about $100 in lumber.

 I am brainstorming about a wall mounted drop down drafting table to hold my plans. 

Got my plans today!!!

This is what you get when you open the box. 

From left to right: envelope, bear tracks card, picture, Mylar wing rib plan,

Bearhawk book (compilation of Beartracks newsletters), packing slip, plans. 

I am still in the process of getting The Factory set up how I want it, but I will post as I go along. It is supposed to be very frigid here in East Texas so I will use my indoor time to build some EAA workbenches. 

I have ordered an 18x24 portfolio to hold all the plans so I can flip thru them page by page, but until it gets here I got this artwork folder to hold them and flatten them out a little. 

Ordered my plans today...

The first of many obstacles has been removed. I should be a proud plans holder in a few days. I can't wait to get started. One thing that I should note is that I am not in a hurry to finish this. I enjoying building things and I am looking forward to the process as much as the end result.

On a side note I believe I am getting a new router for Christmas to make the ribs!

Reklaw, TX Fly-In

Went to the Fly in in Reklaw, TX last weekend! It was my first year to go and boy was I surprised. There were so many planes! I had no idea it was that big of a shindig!

Doing the research....

If you are reading this blog it is because the thought of building your own plane intrigues you. It has been on my mind since I was a kid and I discovered that people actually built their own aircraft and flew them.

The reasons to build are as varied as the types of kitbuilt aircraft to build. Cost, enjoyment, and educational value are a few of the main reasons. They are my main reasons as well. I am an avid camper and enjoy spending my time outdoors. My ideal aircraft is one that has a high useful load, is fast enough to cover greater distances, and has the STOL capability to get in to and, more importantly back out of, the areas that I want to visit. I am not able to go out and purchase a plane that meets these needs for me right now. But I can put money gradually into a project like building my own.

The search has covered a wide variety of planes. There are many kits out there that have reduced build times and good support. The Bearhawk designed by Bob Borrows is one such aircraft. It was originally available as plans only, but now, it is also available in kit form. A quick google search shows a myriad of  normal people like myself undertaking this project. The performance speaks for itself.

That being said, the Bearhawk is the plane I have decided to build. I will by blogging on this site about the progress so I have a build log and can contribute to the community and help others like those that have built before me. Bear with me as I embark on this adventure and feel free to contact me with questions and support!