Officially a Builder

gpiney · #1 03-30-2006, 05:34 PM

Just dropped off the empennage kit at the shop. I am RV-8 builder 2547. Now the adventure begins, Along with a few thousand stupid questions. Better learn how to use the forum's search feature!

Brought the plans back home with me. Wonder what time I'll go to bed tonight???

Gee, can I finish the new workbench this weekend?

Greg Piney
Rv-8 2547
Soon to be Dazed and Confused

kens_cockpit · #2 03-30-2006, 06:32 PM

Welcome aboard

JohnR · #3 03-30-2006, 09:56 PM

Welcome Greg. I've found that sleep is overrated since starting on my 7A.

Good luck and have fun!

rv9aviator · #4 03-31-2006, 05:47 AM

You are about to see how much money watching all those Re-runs cost to watch. In two or 3 years when you have a $75,000 plus airplane sitting in the hanger instead of 10 more lbs on your behind from that recliner you will realize that cable bill was a lot higher than you thought. Good luck with your new project. We're all here to help. Oh, BTW don't forget to put a TV in the shop. Hey, you still have to have the weather channel and music videos.

P.S.
In the interest of sefety, DO NOT use power tools,(drills rivet guns, grinders) while trying to watch "Honky Tonk B-Donky Donk".

Danny King · #5 03-31-2006, 08:15 AM

Welcome,

I was where you are now back in September of 1997. In the summer of 2000 I flew for the first time. Now I'm approaching the 6th anniversary of that first flight. Building the Doll was everything I thought it would be and much more. Where has the time gone?

Now, I can't imagine my life without this great airplane. The cost of building has faded from my memory along with any frustration I felt during the two years and seven months of building.

I thought I was just building an airplane. I didn't realize that I was changing my life as well. RV's come with a cult. (Not a bad word in this case) We fly off to lunch, or start the day off with a four ship formation, and watch an incredible sun rise from the cockpit. We've flown to the mountains of Idaho, and a truly beautiful grass strip for a camping vacation. Of course, there's Oshkosh, and L.O.E. and many otheres. There is always something happening. Monday we leave for Sun-N-Fun. It's been a great experience, and it will last as long as I can climb up into the Doll's cockpit.

Enjoy the building. Your are in phase one of the RV experience, and it's worth the trip.

AX-O · #6 03-31-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpiney

Gee, can I finish the new workbench this weekend?

I am in the same boat. I NEED to build the workbenches this weekend too. My tail kit and tools are lonely.

parashak · #7 03-31-2006, 08:38 PM

Congratulations. I'm not that much further than you. Did the empennage in '04 and just started on the wings.

I made a pair of EAA 1000 workbenches with a few modifications .

I used MDF for the top, screwed but not glued down so it can be flipped after drilling into it a bunch of times. I also cut ~2.5" off the legs and put them on locking casters.

Just do a little bit each day. Take the preview plans home to look ahead - makes your time more productive.