EXCELLENT list of goodies to make the job easier, John.
Not actually a quibble, but I would consider the right angle drill
attachment a necessity, not a convenience item. There are also some holes
that will require extension drills, AKA aircraft drills, with lengths much
longer than standard jobber length drills. Pick the size and length as
required when you get to a point where you just can not figure out how to
make the hole (for example, when installing the W-35 gusset plates).
To your list I would add a silicone based barrier cream (Avon's Silicone
Glove works for me) to protect against an allergic reaction to the epoxy
(something I regret having ignored until after the itching started many
months after beginning construction) and for extra protection a chemical
filter in a respirator. Not everyone develops an allergy but believe me,
not having any allergies beforehand is not a guarantee that you won't
develop an allergy to epoxies.
Another mistake is to buy the cordless Dremel tool (it seemed like a good
idea at the time, but perhaps the latest model is better). After
discovering that the charge is good for maybe ten minutes I replaced that
one with the real Dremel with a cord. It took two of them to complete the
job, and my second one is nearly worn out.
What's the denatured alcohol for?
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Europa XS Tri-Gear A070
Airframe complete
Irvine, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of
TELEDYNMCS@aol.com
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 1st Stupid Question
In a message dated 9/12/2003 10:10:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
EuropaXSA279@aol.com writes:
> Question: Can this thing really be built on a table on less than 3 feet
> wide?
> Perhaps the manual is referring to meters? What is the realistic size I
> should build? Perhaps someone can suggest plans?
>
Hi Brian,
I suppose that would depend on whether you ordered pre-skinned rudder,
ailerons, stab, and anti-servo tabs. I have several tables in my shop that
my
brother built out of wood I-beams he had left over from a storage shed he
built. The
tables my brother built are topped with particle board, which makes for a
nice, flat, smooth surface. He is about to bring his Europa back from Flight
Crafters, and up until now I've been hogging his tables, so I'll be finding
out
real soon how to deal with minimal table space. If you have pre-skinned
componets, you probably can get by with a table that small, although you
might find
yourself doing more than one project at a time, so the more table space the
better, IMO. I use one table exclusively for doing layups. That one stays
covered
with plastic. Another is used to hold my drill press, band saw and vise.
Another is used for mixing resin (also covered in plastic) They are about 4'
x 6'
and are on castors so they can be moved around. Very handy indeed.
Other things I would consider purchasing include a Dremel tool with the
small
sanding drum (1/2" and 1/4") and a cutoff wheel set. Be sure to get plenty
of
extra sanding drums and cutoff wheels, you will need them. You will use this
tool daily. A digital caliper is also handy, along with metal rules that
have
both standard and metric markings. A decent compass is handy to have for
marking edges for trimming. Get yourself a set of indexed drill bits for
when you
need holes just a wee bit bigger than the standard sizes. You'll need hole
saws
of various sizes as well, including 6", 5", and 2" and 3/4". I've also found
that brad point wood bits drill glass fiber much better than standard drill
bits which tend to "take off" once they start drilling. The brad point bits
cut
nice, clean holes when you need smaller holes drilled in glass fiber. I also
found a 90 degree drill attachement at Avery Tools that has come in very
handy.
You'll need mixing cups. I use 9 oz clear plastic ones in a 200 count bag I
bought at Sam's. I'm now on my second bag. You'll need mixing sticks. I use
tongue depressors, then cut the end off flat so you can get in the bottom
edge of
the cups for thorough mixing. A good pair of seamstress shears will be
necessary also. Wiss makes very nice sissors. Lots of plastic sheeting for
doing
layups and some good markers and pencils. A dozen or so plastic spring
clamps in
varying sizes also are handy to have around. You'll also need lots of paper
towels, acetone, denatured alcohol, a good quality particle mask and Xacto
knives.
I'm sure others have plenty to add to the list.
Hope it helps!
Regards,
John Lawton
Dunlap, TN
A-245
|