I finished up page 6-2 and completed page 6-3 in a few separate work sessions this weekend. In my collection of notes from other build logs I have a note to avoid attempting to force the VS nose ribs into… Read More »Vertical Stabilizer Initial Assembly and Prep
Completed the first cut this evening by trimming the vertical stabilizer rear spar caps on the band saw. The project has officially begun. Completed page 6-2 through step 3 and called it a night.
The Van’s airfoil practice kit arrived early on Labor Day – perfect timing. I had another yard project to finish first but got started on the practice kit in the afternoon. I had already completed the basic starter kit that… Read More »Airfoil Practice Kit
I hacked together a tool cart using a Tubstr utility cart as a starting point. I had a variety of detachable bins from my electronics workbench at our prior house and repurposed those parts. There was no real plan so… Read More »Tool Cart
I used the scrap plywood from the empennage kit and some brackets from an old ceiling rack to build a rack for storing larger parts. It won’t store anything heavy but good enough for aircraft parts.
We cracked open the empennage box on the weekend and inventoried all of the parts this evening. My helper (with her roller skates on) wouldn’t allow me to open the box without her being present. She also insisted on being… Read More »Empennage Kit Inventory
Assembled the DRDT-2 deep reach dimpling tool and built side support platforms for the skins. I didn’t follow the provided plan and instead created two separate platforms. That will let me move them around as needed for larger skins and… Read More »DRDT-2 Setup
I wanted my worktables to be solid but portable. Locking castors are workable but they tend to be unstable. I have seen some retracting wheel designs on the Vans Air Force forums but I wanted to try something with a… Read More »Gear Down
Built two worktables today. I started with the EAA Chapter 1000 design and added a few customizations of my own. I modified the tables to provide an overhang on the sides/ends to provide an easier way to clamp materials along… Read More »Work Tables
The empennage kit arrived today in a rather impressive box. Looks like I’ll have some scrap lumber to use in other projects… After a 15 point turn with a pallet jack the delivery driver successfully got it maneuvered onto the… Read More »Tail Feathers
