RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

100% Correct, Boatman!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

Build the kit as many have said.  You will learn alot and it's GREAT FUN!

Thants the idea, right?

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><span style="font-size: small">I love to build and build from plans and short kits. So I had to go all the way as far as tools. Probably $2,000.00 worth. Here is one of my three workshops. I have tools in all of them except the large power tools. They are bolted to the bench. My table saw is out of view but I also have that and a second mitre box saw. One is regular and the second one is a compound saw. I do move the bandsaw so I can rip planking when I want to plank my Warbirds. Currently I'm preparing to build a 124" wing span Ziroli F4U-5N that I blew up from the original plans. The Corsair in the background I had to scrap because before I built my new table I built it on a twisted hollow core door so the whole plane was twisted beyond repair. I found this out when I was checkingthe wing incidence.Now I'm using a more solid bench frame and an exterior oak solid core door supported by 1/4" x 2" steel screwed in place every 10". It was leveled in all directions. So be sure your surface is flat and then level. But flat is more important than level. Or you will build a plane that isn't straight and it will have to be trimmed way to much. The pictures were on RCSB so just push on them and they will enlarge. There isn't a blue square on these.


Kit building is for fun and ARF's are for flying while your building,

Barry
www.canopyrailsforwarbirds.com.</span></span>

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

where's the laser cutter?

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><span style="font-size: medium">In Florida with my friend Pat at Laser Cut USA!!!http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...sn/biggrin.gifThose things are a little out of my league expense wise. Plus if I bought one I would have to cut kits to make it worth while. But it is an idea. I've got the space for it and to store the wood for just short kits. If the economy picks up I might just do it.

Barry</span></span>

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

Read the build threads. I think that RCKen did a "pay it forward" build of an LT-40. It's not a SSE (I've built 2 SSE's so I do recognize the diff [:@]) but the steps are very similar. SIG does an excellent job on their instruction manuals. A thread by MinnFlyer is a decent read. MasterAlex, HookedOnRC and Iron Eagle all did very good SSE build threads.

You might open up a build thread for your kit just to get a community of fellow builders that are familiar with your plane and can chime in on any issue that you may have.

If you have a LHS (local hobby store) whose owner is a well recognized builder, buy your stuff thru him(her) and use it as an excuse to badger him with all of your questions. I've taken bits and pieces to nearly completed kits to my local guru for his invaluable input.

And HAVE FUN!

TTFN,

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

Wow, thanks everyone for the posts.  The energy and passion surrounding this hobby is unbelievable!

I hope to buy my kit in the next few weeks.  I'll be back with questions, I guarantee it.

I'm a software developer by trade, so I've always enjoyed building things.  There is nothing like watching software run.  Hopefully my plane runs better than my software ;).

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words, and tips!

nww

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

ALEX7403: Viewing your workbench, I can tell you are an up scale builder. Spotting the Great Planes Sotting Tool gave away your idenity. No more sliced hands, and unparallel hinge locations. Your tool list is also right on. Thanks for sharing this with our new kit builder.

AERORICH73
A &amp; P MECH</p>

RE: Questions from a first time builder
 

Building is the hobby and flying is the sport.

Bob