Any Slow Build Regrets? -> QB vs. Standard

N200PF · Post by **N200PF** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:56 pm

OK we've heard it all and are actually leaning Slow Build. Quite honestly the additional time would help us from a budget standpoint having the extra year or so to save the cash for the engine and panel.

The problem is we're scared of it! Nearly all the builders here in the Minneapolis area have gone QB and tell us we'll have trouble finishing our first airplane unless we get the QB jump-start.

The one builder that is teaching our Riveting class (weekend after next) and has built two RV standard kits (6 & 7A) is sure we can do it based on our mechanical background.

What do all of you think?!? ARE WE NUTS to even consider the Standard kit?

- Peter

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:03 pm

No regrets at all.

The easiest part is what they do for you! Don't let them do the easy part for you and charge you a ton!

The -7 fuse pretty much clecoes together (so I hear).

If you have the extra loot burning a hole in your pocket (sooooo not me) spring for the QB. If not, SB isn't that bad.

I know that the money I have saved will come in handy for all the bells and whistles I am planning on installing. Plus, with SB, you can do things like deluxe tank caps, capacitive fuel senders, baggage compartment modifications and other "custom" touches more easily!

Fear not the slow build!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:10 pm

DON'T LISTEN TO THEM!! that's what i had to tell myself when i started. EVERYBODY tells me to QB. first of all, i DO want to save the extra 8 GRAND it takes to buy the QB. that'll almost pay for the panel i'm planning (yep, simple, light, VFR to start). second, i want to know every part of my airplane intimately. i am building it, not the boys across the ocean (though, they do GREAT work!). i bought SB wings, and plan on sticking with the SB all the way through.

of course, this is my opinion only...and there's no reason to listen to me either!

i just can't afford the extra dough to go QB, but even if i could, them emp was a lot of fun, and i am planning on having a ball with the wings!

bmurrish · Post by **bmurrish** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:35 pm

Peter, I'm going slow build all the way on my -8. I really enjoy the building and learning process. Yes, even prosealing the tanks haven’t been that bad, just messy and time consuming. I also found you will enjoy building more if you don't set unrealistic goals and you avoid trying to race other builders. As far as you being capable of building the entire plane, if you can build the tail you can do the whole thing.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:41 pm

good call on "not racing other builders" bill! that seems to be a problem with a lot of builders and chapters. there's always somebody that says "well, i'm just trying to keep up with..." i am working at my own pace, and if it takes me ten years, so be it.

greylingr · Post by **greylingr** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:40 am

Depends, if you have determination, or are on budget then this standard build is fine. If you want to get flying fast and have a bit more money then QB. I'm doing a SB, but I recommend to all my buddies a QB, becuase they do not have the patience!

PS the saving from QB to SB is not a full 100% saving, you are going to spend some money on consumables, electricity, jig and exra convenient tool, etc etc so also keep that in mind.

Regards
Rudi

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:52 am

I will chime in once again to say that this is not a race to get into the wind.

You guys really hit the nail on the head. It is more about watching those other projects and having the confidence and knowledge to take the next portion of your project on with the proper mindset.

To watch and hear about others (and to fly in the planes) is the inspiration that drives us.

No regrets!

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:37 am

N200PF wrote:...Nearly all the builders here in the Minneapolis area have gone QB and tell us we'll have trouble finishing our first airplane unless we get the QB jump-start.

Bull. Plenty of people built airplanes before QB's and even before match hole kits. What determines whether you finish a project or not is you and your attitude, not what others say about QB kits. Do what you want and have fun!!

jimrobinette · Post by **jimrobinette** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:17 pm

I am going the QB route not to get in the air faster, but rather so that I can keep up with the SB of CJ and Thermos!

Actually had plans to get flying in 18 months, but life and Navy orders have slowed that down a bit. Otherwise I would have gone SB. Actually thought of selling the QB wings and fuse and going the SB route, but the wife would like to get the airplane out of the house sooner than later!

Take care,

Jim

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:32 pm

I also had plans of getting in the air in 18 months. I doubt that will happen. My shop space is a rented area that I use for my custom furniture & cabinet business. While I'm not currently creating furniture and making dust I do still work 'very' part time maintaining a Veterinary Hospital. I also do radiography. Because of the constraints with my current shop and my unwillingness to put a shop in my backyard or try to build in my basement I need to be able to git er done ASAP in order to get back to my main source of making a living. AHHHH it has been a wonderful break so far. Therefore the QB route made a lot of sense. Had it been another time or place I very well may have gone for a slow build.

N200PF · Post by **N200PF** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 12:04 am

Thanks for all the input and words of wisdom!

SPIKE - You bring up a GEAT point about perspective! If a match hole kit would have come out 10 years ago it would have been called a QB!

Beth and I will see how the riveting class goes for the two of us as a team and how the tail goes together. Do you think this will give us a taste of the basic teamwork required to complete an full kit? From what I've read it seems to be more a question of presistance than skills.

- Peter

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:56 am

OMG!

He has a female that is willing to buck a rivet!!!

Peter, that is a rare commodity!!!

Don't tell me she can cook too!?!

CJ

N200PF · Post by **N200PF** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:09 pm

No but she can order a pizza better than anybody I know!!!

Actually the first day I visited her at work she was wearing a welders mask! I am more worried about my skills with the Rivet gun than hers. We'll see who ends up holding the bucking bar!

Us in Bonair a couple years ago...

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 8:26 am

Cool, My wife can probably challenge yours with pizza ordering skills.

Sounds like you are going to have alotta fun building the plane together!

Put the pic in the names and faces thread!

CJ

Dan A · Post by **Dan A** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 8:47 pm

Go slow build. That way you can truthfully say "I built it all!" when you are asked if you built it. And they will ask! I'm glad I went the slow build route. I used the $5,000 on my avionics and panel.
Dan N742DA 70+ hrs. It gets better every flight!!

prestwich · Post by **prestwich** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 11:42 am

I've heard that if you go side-by-side, tricycle, *and* quick build, you're not only kicked out of the Brotherhood, but you're actually required to paint your airplane pink.

With the 7A, I'm already two for three. I told myself I'd make the SB vs. QB decision after I finished the emp, which may be a while yet ...

As far as time, would you guys out in front there say that each wing takes as long as the complete emp, or what?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 12:09 pm

That is a pretty close estimate. I am doing the wings simultaneously. I have been at it a bit over a year and a half. The emp took me 6 months and the rest of the time I have been doing wings. I am just now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel on the wing component.

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 12:58 pm

pretty much the exact same for me. i started my emp in july 05, finished it december 31st 05. six months. and, i plan on a good year to year and a half on the wings.

N200PF · Post by **N200PF** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:08 am

CJ & Chad -

Is there anything on the wings that has really thrown you in comparison to the empennage? I guess I just ass/u/med that each wing would take A LOT longer to do than the tail?!?

- Peter

PS - I better just order my wings! It looks like Van's is 14 weeks out on standard build wing kits!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:42 am

wow! they've backed that up a bit. was 10 weeks last time i checked!!

i'm not far enough into the wings yet to determine if anything is really different. so far, it's the same 'ol stuff. the tanks will be a new experience, but other than that, it's the same. the instructions are MUCH LESS CLEAR AND HELPFUL SO YOU MUST READ CAREFULLY, AND READ AHEAD.

one other thing...wing ribs SUCK!

with that being said, for me, it's still not worth the extra dough for a QB. they are a MAJOR time consumer, but it's easy. it's the repetition that get's on your nerves.

RivetBangers.com

Any Slow Build Regrets? -> QB vs. Standard

Any Slow Build Regrets? -> QB vs. Standard

Re: Any Slow Build Regrets? -> QB vs. Standard