The Waiting Game

I know, I know, I said I'd be making more regular posts. However, it's been a waiting game for the Feds to give my refund to me and then paying off bills to enable me to make all the purchases I need; tools, equipment, EMPENNAGE! So, I expect that I will definitely be ordering all my goods in April. I apologize for my tardiness yet again.

In the meantime, I've done a few things to prepare. I've been doing a lot of research on air compressors. So, how much should I spend? Single- or two-stage compressor? 60 gallons? 80 gallons? I've seen the gammut for everything from 20 gallon to 80 gallon compressors. I usually don't like buying my "quality" equipment from Harbor Freight but in this case, I'm considering a two-stage, 60 gallon, 5 hp for their current sale price of $799. It's made by U.S. General. I was considering an Ingersoll-Rand for $400 more but can I justify the price? I've seen reviews go all over the page, high and low with both. If anyone has any weigh-in on this subject, please, indulge me. I've been vacilating for a while on this decision. I can afford the $400 but again, is it justified? I could certainly put those clam$ towards something else.

Ok, I've mentioned before that I'm going with Plane Tools' RV tool kit. Hey, how can you go wrong with a kit from a company that gives 100% lifetime warranty on 95% of the items in the kit?! No, the drill bits and Scotch Brite wheel and pads are NOT warranted! I'll be getting a few extra goodies as well, such as: accordian fan, 0-600 in lb torque wrench, sheet metal nibbler, flush swivel rivet set, longeron yoke, 4" thin nose yoke, 37° tubing flare tool, tubing bender, tight fit dril kit, tungsten bar and the RV-10 option which includes more Clecos so I can avoid having to get more later. I'll probably call Plane Tools before I order to make sure I'm not doubling something inadvertently and ask about a couple other things. I've been looking around for rivet backing plates and I can't see spending what is asked (typically about $65 for a 3/8"x4"x15") for these smaller plates that some merchants offer. I stopped into a local steel supplier and they quoted roughly $100 for a 1/2"x12"x24" piece of cold rolled steel plate. It's still cheaper in the long run. Still, I'll be checking a few other places to see what I can find. If you're wondering about the cold rolled steel, it's supposed to have a smoother finish over all compared to hot rolled. I'd prefer that especially when laying skins against the surface. I'll probably tape the surface anyway for protection but still...

A month ago or so I bought the amateur builder kit from EAA for about $13. It has everything you need to get started. It lets you know all about the certification process. It has a step-by-step certification guide, all the forms you'll eventually need and information about reserving your N number. It also includes an EXPERIMENTAL sticker as well as panel and other stickers you can use for labeling. It also has a MFR plate. If you're a member it's $13 and about 20 bucks for non-members.


I'm also enrolled in a private pilot ground school. I don't have much stick time as a pilot and could always use a refresher. "A Good pilot is always learning". The cool thing is they're doing this through my employer FREE! I already have the books so I'm just going to sit in and listen to several instructors cover everything from A-Z through a 9-week couse, 1 night a week for 3 hours. I'm looking forward to it! At the kickoff meeting we went around the room and introduced ourselves and I mentioned that I'm going to build an RV-7A and got razzed for not going with a tail-wheel by a couple of the instructors. Geez! We'll see. Right now, I'm set on an A but who knows.

That's it for now folks. Thanks for your patience and comments. Stay tuned. I'll get this thing going soon! I can't wait! In the meantime, more research and looking for inexpensive goods and continue setting up shop. :) KPR! Take Care and Thanks For Reading!