Bill, I applaud your move towards a new kit venture. Everything I've gathered about the kit process has been garnered from this site. A lot of the info is anecdotal. For example, laser cutting is slower than die cutting, but it makes tremendous sense for the kind of kit numbers we are talking about. Here's a link to a great site that discusses some of the ins and outs of producing laser cutting files.

http://www.mybloo.com/coosbay/laser/laser1.htm

I think one of the best examples I've read about is Bruce Tharpe. His kits are laser cut and fit very, very well. That is a good level of quality to subscribe to. I am currently building a GP PT-60 after 15 years away from the hobby and the quality of the parts fit leaves something to be desired. The wing ribs are supposed to sit flush on the forward sheeting, but they don't.

I just wonder about the market numbers for such a venture as to whether it would be economically feasible or not. I've seen the number 300 bandied about as the minimum number of kits that GP will tool up and manufacture. With numbers like this, it sure isn't attractive for a "big" business, but what kind of margin will that produce for a little guy?

Good luck with your venture!

Mike