A word of caution to anyone thinking of buying one the Michael
Engineering/Rook Metering resin pumps: they seem to have a QA problem at
present. While those manufactured some time ago seem to have provided
good service - and certainly the one used for the weekend workshops at
the Europa factory works very well - recent examples are giving
problems.
I base this advice on my own experiences, and I am told that at least
one other builder has given up on his.
I bought one in March this year with my Stage 1. On first use I found it
was putting thick black 'oil slicks' in the resin and hardener, and had
a very rough travel. The problem is believed to be the steel piston
rubbing on the aluminium cylinder block. I was shipped replacement pump
modules, and they were no better. Ditto a third set - which were
supposed to have been hand-picked for quality. Ditto a complete
replacement pump.
I've spent hours stripping, cleaning, reassembling and calibrating my
pump and 8 months on from original delivery I still don't have a working
pump and have completed my Stage 1 using digital scales. On top of that
a fair amount of Ampreg has been ruined by the problem. I'm currently
waiting from response from Michael's on what the problem is - they have
sourced some Ampreg in the US and are checking it out in a pump. If all
is well, they're going to ship me a working, checked out pump. I've
heard nothing of note on that front in the last couple of months,
though.
In fairness to the Europa factory who sold me the pump, they've been
excellent and have been very helpful. It's just that they've been badly
let down by the manufacturer of the pump.
If I get any joy before I finish my plane, I'll post it here...
Regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa XS Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
-----Original Message-----
From: forum-owner@europaclub.org.uk
Subject: Re: Digital scales and Smart Tool
Ian,
I would certainly recommend a resin pump for the Ampreg and digital
scale
for Redux. I doubt anyone will want to part with a smart tool. I love
mine
and intend to keep it when plane is finished (sad person that I am) and
guess most people will want to do the same.
Have you built a cupboard/cutting bench for your cloth? I am nearing
the
end of my epoxy work and will probably take mine down soon to make extra
room in my workshop for painting. I live near Preston in Lancs. Email
me
off forum if interested.
Richard Iddon G-RIXS (Tri gear no. 533)
-----Original Message-----
From: forum-owner@europaclub.org.uk
Subject: Digital scales and Smart Tool
We are new builders and already learned a lot from this forum. Tri gear
kit 566 delivered last week. Weekend spent unpacking and our workshop
now resembles an old fashioned hardware shop.
Can anyone help with two questions?
1. What is the best way to measure Redux accurately? Do we need digital
scales, if so does anyone know a good source or even have a set for
sale?
2. We also need a Smart Tool inclinometer. Any builders finished with
theirs and want to sell?
Thanks
E mail ian@swankie.co.uk
Website www.gchox.co.uk
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