I discovered while working on the ribs, that there is a tool I thought would be handy that turns out to be vital. The Right-Angle Drill.
The pneumatic right-angle drill I bought at a garage sale turns out to be vital when drilling the ribs. Because the head of the drill motor is so small, you can drill the holes without bending or distorting the rib.
WANT
Yes, this is a fun tool, and probably not vital to the build and does require a compressor and must be handled carefully BUT the pneumatic “Cleco Gun” is a great addition to my shop.
While building an RV-9A I built a stand to hold the plans while I worked.
Old style Van’s stand
For the Sonex, The plans come in a different format. They are a “pad” of plans stapled together into a very thick stack. By lowering the plans surface and clamping the plans to the top, we have a very workable arrangement.
New Sonex style
The plans are tough and can be opened and close many times without wear.
Plans clamped to table top
So, I modified my Van’s stand to be a Sonex stand and I’m very happy!
Flip plans
By changing from an upright stand to a lay down stand, and clamping the Sonex pad to the desktop, I’m able to flip through and page quickly and easily.
With the Sonex plans, you work on a page at a time anyway. No loss.
It is the first day of spring and all is beautiful.
First day of spring
and extra beautiful because this guy is here.
First day of spring AND this is here!
So, XPO Logistics have arrived and I am at the airport (On Friday, my car didn’t make it as far as the airport, but that is another discussion. I said bad words).
BeforeAfter
I see 6 boxes. All in pretty good shape. Box 2 was kinda clobbered on the top, but contents are OK. Some backorder stuff, but I’ll be able to get started with wings, no problem.
Does backorder stuff go to the airport or my house? I’ll email and find out.
We were able to unload the truck just as the Sonex website says, and all boxes fit in the hanger, and we waved good bye to the driver.
Immediately we are starting the inventory that will take a few days to complete. LOTS of stuff to count and review (Do I need 4 rudder cables?) What is a 1/8 oops?
6 boxes to inventory. Yikes!Off the truck, no forklift required.Box 3 of 6Spar
Great job with packing.
Where are the skins?Here they areCowl
The plans are VERY intimidating. The entire airframe looks very complex. The Emp was easy, but this? Am I getting cold feet? Can I do this? So much to do.
And the plans! The plans are VERY intimidating. The entire airframe looks very complex. The empennage was easy, but this? These plans make War and Peace look like an evening read.
