DRDT-2 and Spray Gun

I'm still in a holding pattern for the re-shipment of my empennage kit.  As my last post described, the shipping crate was pretty much destroyed and was refused.  In the mean time, I received my DRDT-2 from Experimental Aero (ordered through Cleaveland Aircraft Tool with my tool kit).  I assembled the  DRDT-2 and will start working on my two practice kits while I wait on the empennage.  I ordered one of the practice kits from Van's (RV Training Project 1) and the other was sent to me from Cleaveland (iPad/iPhone holder).

 

I also purchased a Vapor HVLP (1.4 mm nozzle) spray gun from Northern Tool.  It’s not the very best spray gun on the market, but will do a pretty good job with primer.  I plan on using the spray gun for the application of the Akzo Epoxy Primer.  I don’t like the big 20 1/4 ounce plastic cup that comes with the spray gun, so I use the DeVilbiss DPC503 disposable 3 ounce cups.  These things are great and come in a bag of 24 cups/lids.  They make clean up super easy. 

Empennage Kit Delivery--NOT

Well, yesterday (Wednesday, January 4th) was supposed to be an exciting day.....the arrival of my empennage kit.  However, FedEx had other plans and show up for delivery with a completely destroyed shipping crate.  The banding straps around the crate were broken, the top of the crate was totally detached and just sitting freely on top, the bottom was about halfway separated from the side walls, and all four side walls were damaged.  I could also see several parts within the crate contained obvious damage.  Additionally, due to the crate damage, I wouldn't be able to guarantee all the items were still inside.  So, based on the extensive damage to the shipping crate, and after consultation with Van's Aircraft, I refused the shipment from FedEx.  I spoke with Kim at Van's and she was very sympathetic and helpful.  She advised they would handle the claim with FedEx.  I now play the waiting game until a new empennage arrives.

 

 

Cleaveland Aircraft Tool Delivery

On Friday, December 30th, the Tool Kit I ordered from Cleaveland Aircraft Tool arrived via UPS.  I made a few additions and subtractions, so I spoke with Annette on the phone several times to discuss my order.  She provided awesome customer service and made the whole process very simple and easy.  I customized my package by swapping the Taylor 3X rivet gun for a Sioux 2X Rivet Gun, swapped the Cleaveland Tool Main Squeeze for a pneumatic squeezer, and swapped the Cleaveland Tool C-Frame dimpling tool for a DRDT-2 Compression Dimpler.  The DRDT-2 will arrive in a few days and complete my order.  The picture below shows all the tools from Cleaveland Tool, including several I already owned. 

 After much debate and consideration, I have decided to add the Substructure Dimple Die and Tank Skin Dimple Die to my order.  I have read numerous posts on the Van's Air Force Forums debating the pros and cons of these dies.  I plan to use them on my practice kits and evaluate the results.  As was mentioned in the forums, many builders have made airplanes using these dies, as well as, the standard die with great results.

Empennage/Tailcone Kit Ordered

WELL, I just became an experimental aircraft builder!!!!!  I finally placed an order for the tailwheel RV-14 empennage/tailcone kit.  Van's currently has the kit in stock and it is estimated to arrive during the first or second week of January.  Their digital ordering process was extremely easy and painless.  I completed the fillable order form from their website, saved it to my computer, and emailed it to kits@vansaircraft.com.  Once that was completed, I made a follow up call to Van's for confirmation and payment.....DONE!  This was my first exposure to customer service at Van's and Kim was very pleasant and answered all my questions regarding the order.
 

(Photograph by Van's Aircraft)

EAA Chapter 1000 Work Bench Construction

I used the EAA Chapter 1000 Standardized Work Table Plans to build a set of work tables for my project.  I have seen other builder sites use time lapse photography/video to record their build sessions.  I personally saw this method for the first time while browsing Ed Kranz RV-10 website.  I really like the idea, so I decided to experiment with time lapse video while building my tables.  I used my iPhone to capture the three videos below and I will try my iPad during the next session to see which turns out the best.

The blade on my buddy's miter saw was rather old and was not cutting the wood to my liking.  So, after a short trip to Lowe's, a new blade was installed and work on the tables resumed.

The first work table is complete.  One down and one to go!

 

Construction of the second table.

Both work tables have been complete and are now ready to assist in the building of my airplane!