Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

I'm going to be setting up an area in my house for assembling, adjusting, and repairing planes. I don't really have the right tools and jigs, so was wondering what you guys use so I could make a list. So far my biggest challenge has been epoxying the stab of my planes; I've been using masking tape, a speed square, and a tape measure. I imagine you guys have some pretty great tricks or advice for this kind of stuff.

As a former tradesman I believe in having the right tools for the job, and a pattern ship needs to be pretty close to perfection, so let me know if you have any ideas.

Also post pics of your shop setup if you wish, I'd love to get some ideas there, too.

Thanks,

Joe

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

You really don't need much. I keep adhesives, a dremel, ruler, string (for measuring and squaring), throw meter, incidence meter, battery chargers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, general field box stuff, monokote iron, heat gun, soldering iron, razor blades, extra ball links, hinges, horns, common sized bolts and nuts, oil, graphite, etc.

I also have a small bandsaw, but that's just for full fledged building.

EDIT: Oh, and the most important thing: a nice flat solid table.

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

A flat surface is #1 priority, after that (in no particular order):

incidence meter
lots of straight edges and squares
good lighting
blocks / sandbags / shot bags for propping things up and holding them in place
for building, one of Petec's jigs is a great tool


Mark

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

Joe;
You'd be hard pressed to beat http://www.airfieldmodels.com/ for tools, how to's, tips, tricks, etc.
I used his magnet system and I love it, but as he says you don't have to go to those lengths to build great planes.
He also gives instructions on how to build your own tools. You'll love this site. I pay to visit it.

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

That's "I WOULD pay" to visit it.

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

What a GREAT site. That guys has all kinds of useful ideas. The kind of stuff that at some point you might think of, but before you can do anything about it, you forget. He put it all in a great website. Lots of useful tips,

Arch

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

I second (or third!) the suggestion for a large flat table. You want one that is very sturdy and stable. Ideally it would be level to the world in all directions. I suggest a glass or mirror top to make it perfectly straight.

Also, try to situate the table against one wall, it is very valuable to be able to walk around it 360 degrees.

Oh yeah, and VERY well lit (for us old guys).

RE: Tools and Shop for Pattern Fliers
 

I agree Arch, he has a lot of great idea's and allows others to share theirs.