Still Preparing

It has been a while since I updated anything. I am currently still getting prepped for the build. I originally thought that I would wait until I had all the tooling I figured I would need to complete the build, but as time has carried on I have come to the realization that if I continue in this mindset throughout the build that I will never complete it, let alone, get started.

On another note, there is a STOL Competition scheduled for April 11-13 down in Llano, TX that I am planning to attend. I am going to drive down to it, but I have not decided if I am camping or getting a hotel yet. I am trying to get a few friends together that might be interested in going. It is supposed to be modeled after the Valdez, AK STOL Competition. Bearhawk Aircraft are one of the sponsors for the event and are going to be competing as well.

More tools....

Still acquiring tools while I am reading everything I can and while I study the plans before I start. I added a vice and bench grinder to the mix as well as a Husky 33 gallon air compressor. I got a pneumatic squeezer off eBay for $150.

Tooling up!

I got everything I put on my Christmas list in regards to tools:

Craftsman Professional Router

Craftsman 10" Drill Press

Storage Bins

Laminate Trim Bit

Wiss W12 Snips

Wiss Aviation Snips

Fly cutter

Craftsman Professional Air Hose

Everything assembled

I got this rack from a GameStop that was throwing it out. It has good caster on it and makes a great tool/storage bin cart. I just need to get some peg hooks. 

And today I scored a brand new set of tools on eBay. I'll post pics of that when it comes in. Off to a good start for the new year. 

I need to update the cost page to reflect what I received.  These are things I didn't have so I am going to consider it money spent towards the project.

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!