I've got Jerry Bates plans for the He100 103inWS that need cutting. I called Precision Cut Kits today to inquirer as to the cost and time for getting the kit cut. I was astonished by their response. "We are not adding any planes to our inventory" I thought I misunderstood him and I said that I knew they were not offering the kit currently that I wanted to send the plans and have the kit cut. the response was the same "We're not interested in the kit and won't cut it". When I asked why he said "I'm getting old".

I then asked who he could recommend to do the work for me and he responded "go to the internet" I then asked if he could again offer a suggestion of a couple of his competitors that could do the work and he said "I don't follow my competitors"

WOW what a bunch of BS. Now I know why building is becoming a lost art with vendors like this. Due to the size of the plane I really don't want to cut it myself.

Would appreciate any suggestions for kit cutters that you have been satisfied with and the quality of the wood used.

Pete

He sounds like someone who is tired of quoting for custom work, only to hear a bunch of B&M'ing about the price.

I use BK Modes for my kits and for woods! Good supplier! http://www.balsawoodinc.com/balsawoodproducts

maybe true and I understand since posting the guy has some health issues. I respect the fact that he didn't want to add to his inventory but incensed over his unwillingness to suggest some alternatives. The price of the kit made of good wood to me is well worth the cost. How much can you really save building a 103"WS warbird. The short kit is probably one of the cheapest components.

Pete

http://laser-design-services.com/ give him a try

PCK is the reason I went right back to cutting my own kits. That was a few {several} years ago. Bad wood, missing parts and very hard to get him to cut and send the missing parts. Friends told me PCK got better with time but once burnt twice shy. As I recall a lot of the guys here on RCU have had great luck with Laser Lizard. Just do a search and see if there have been any gripes about any of the cutters you may want to try. I do understand getting old and tired though.

Sounds like I wasn't alone. This plane is a beast with way too many parts for me to cut myself. Well the good news is that I did call and speak with Pat at LasercutUSA http://www.lasercutusa.com/
Pat sounds like the real deal having been around awhile. He offered to call Jerry and get the CAD files for the plane then called back within the hour to tell me that he can get the CAD files. The quoted cost is very reasonable to boot. We'll see how it goes but so far it looks like quality service.

Pete

I've gotten a few kits from him and so far they have all been great. I was missing 2 formers on one of the kits (Short kit) I got, and he sent them out and they arrived 2 days later. Either the economy is hurting him, or hes got so many kits to cut he doesn't even have time to answer the phone. Cut your own kit, or go somewhere else. Cutting your own kit is more fun in my opinion, and also cheaper, but its builders preferance.

That just doesn't sound like the guys at PCK to me.

Laser lizard is also great, but something is up with their website??

Jason

3 kits from here with great service. Not sure about large scale planes though, his cutting area is only 24".

http://lazer-works.com/list.html

I got my kit on Friday from Pat at LaserCutUSA and am very pleased with the workmanship and wood quality. Everything matched up to Jerry's plans. Had a couple of broken formers that are thin and a few missing pieces that Pat is going to provide. Not bad for his first cut of this model/plans.

Go ahead and place LaserCutUSA on your good guy list.

Pete

yea i fully agree , ed cut a big bingo short kit for me . EXCELLENT service.

Neat airplane! Remember- 'when the red light glows on the instrument panel, reduce throttle and bring her in for a landing'. That's the advice from E.H. that H. Goering didn't follow when he proceeded to trash one of the prototypes!

Pat at lasercut usa is great! He is very friendly with high quality work! I sent plans in to get a laser cut kit, I had it in 2 weeks! Then of course I sold it, but I agree with everyone else, lasercut USA is the way to go, but I still feel bad and want to support PCK because he does have health problems.

Jason

I just purchased a bargain basement kit from PRECISION CUT KITS, too many substitutions in the kit. I wouldn't buy from them again. Your better of buying a jig saw and some vellum.

You can always just send him a check.