Sometimes I think I really am building an airplane

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 8:57 pm

Nice.

1 question: Carpet in the building zone! how do you keep that place so clean? I track AL chips into the house and my shop is 100' away.

Post by **Spike** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:05 pm

I try really hard to keep the place clean and I have a decent vacuum. Vacuuming can take a fair amount of time to get all of the chips up. Though realistically the carpet will be replaced when the project is done, but it wasn't in perfect shape when we bought the place and the cost of new carpet will pale in comparison to the worth of working on it. I have to admit that my workshop is a bit of a dream place to work. I could use more space but the creature comforts I have make it easy to spend lots of time working on the plane, even in foul weather.

-- Spike

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:40 pm

Spike wrote:I try really hard to keep the place clean .......... could use more space ............ easy to spend lots of time working on the plane, even in foul weather.

-- Spike

I see the difference now.
I sweep mine once a month, whether it needs it or not.
I empty the cat box and cat puke often. But I have no mice.
I have tons of room, but spent an hour splitting wood today. Should be enough for the next week.

spikescopilot · Post by **spikescopilot** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:51 am

We have cats who FREAK OUT if they can't go in the basement (they do not like closed doors), so he has to clean up the carpet every time he works on it because they will eat those little bits and then hack them up on the carpet upstairs.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 4:35 pm

YES! There is more tot he center section than meets the eye!

I too couldn't believe the details that needed to be addressed!

AWESOME!

I wish that I got more done this week than I did. Life got in the way as usual!

Oh well...

Nice work Spike!

CJ

painless · Post by **painless** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:57 pm

spikescopilot wrote:We have cats who FREAK OUT if they can't go in the basement (they do not like closed doors), so he has to clean up the carpet every time he works on it because they will eat those little bits and then hack them up on the carpet upstairs.

Just another reason I prefer dogs!

Great progress you two! You'll be sitting in it making airplane noises before you know it.

dons · Post by **dons** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:40 pm

There is some serious progress there Spike, looks good.

The holidays had the opposite affect on my building time, hopefully I will start working on that center part later this month.

BSwayze · Post by **BSwayze** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 2:29 pm

Nice work, Spike! This is definitely a fun part of the build, where you see so much visible progress. You'll have those details wrapped up and that fuse flipped in no time. Can't wait to see you and Patti sitting in the cabin making airplane noises!

Post by **Spike** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 2:44 pm

I am really looking forward to doing that !

Post by **Spike** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 3:50 pm

Finish Kit Ordered!!! OOOOORAAAAAHHH

It might be a tad early, but I don't care! W00T

Spike

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:20 pm

Cool stuff!! Now the headscratching starts!!!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:25 pm

Awesome news Spike!!!! Congrats!!

Cherokee Driver · Post by **Cherokee Driver** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:18 pm

X L ent

dons · Post by **dons** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:33 pm

Wow, finish kit, that has a nice ring to it. You must have done a whole lot of thinking to be able to make that order, there are so many things to decide on before making it (at least in my scrambled mind).

Post by **Spike** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:13 pm

The biggest thing to consider for me was engine supplier. I decided that a few months ago. I am going with Eagle engines out of CA. I am going to use them for the prop too (American Propeller). A one stop shop was too attractive to walk away from.

Spike

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 10:32 pm

Eagle Engines and American Prop, can't go wrong there. Bob H and Kevin are great to work with.

Post by **Spike** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:03 am

hydroguy2 wrote:Eagle Engines and American Prop, can't go wrong there. Bob H and Kevin are great to work with.

Thanx for that validation. When I started shopping shops Bob was the most responsive and gave the most in depth information than any other. I called him up and had a conversation for a few moments and 4 days later I had a complete packet in my mailbox with full quotes and pages and pages of literature. He also has always been willing to spend time with me even when he was on vacation.

None, and I mean none, of the other shops were as professional or inclusive in their information.

Spike

Post by **Spike** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 5:10 pm

Patti and Dad gave me tons of time over the weekend of 7/4. After three days of riveting I have decided that I am done with it. Next one is tube and fabric. If I need a 4 seater I'll hit the lotto and buy one

The result is suweeet though!

It was a very surreal experience rolling that thing over. Once I got a glimpse of it right side up I got really excited. I had to remind myself to calm down as I hadn't put it down yet

Rockin!

Spike

RV9inIowa · Post by **RV9inIowa** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 5:37 pm

Spike - that looks great! I remember that day. Don't worry, you have a LOT of work left to do

I can't remember if you are building a NW or TD, but if NW, then go ahead and move that fuel pump now. If you don't, later on you'll find out that the nutplate interfers with the engine mount

Also it's a great time to do lots of other firewall stuff (doupler for relays, ground block, manifold block, cabin heat, etc. etc. etc.)

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 6:26 pm

looking good Spike. won't be long now.

RivetBangers.com

Sometimes I think I really am building an airplane

Canoe time boys ....