Things you do because you you've done it that way before.

[claycookiemonster]

I remember very early in my time here, as a very newbie builder, I was an absolute sponge for any hints from the experienced builders. There was a thread about the right color of sharpie for marking things, believe it or not! Anyway, the consensus was that Blue was the best marker color. I ran out and bought a couple boxes of Blue Sharpies, and I'm still using them!

I was just wondering what other shop habits, or good luck operations you may have carried on over the course of your build, just because you've done it that way before.

And, YES, my RV will actually be painted blue. I'm sure there's no connection.

[plehrke]

Building
I don’t cut on the line. I cut just short of the line and hand file to the line. I know it takes a lot of extra time but I still do it because I always have.
Drilled holes at #40 then drilled up for those that were 1/8” rivets to #30. Nobody does that anymore I am sure as nobody is drilling holes.
Put tools away at end of every work session. Spent hours looking for a wrench the next day once so now always put everything away even if in the middle of a task.
Flying
Pull the prop through full revolution during preflight. Seems to be help starting when I was having starting issues years ago so always still do it.

FYI. I use black sharpie for cutting and red sharpie for other markings that are not cuts like hole spacing and folds and bends.

[MED]

The best/most important hint I can give is do not use black electrical tape when you install your windscreen. It disappears in the black-dyed epoxy you use for the first couple of fiberglas layers. Use yellow, blue, red . . . any color but black. Ask me how I found out.

[bjdecker]

Originally Posted by plehrke

Pull the prop through full revolution during preflight. Seems to be help starting when I was having starting issues years ago so always still do it.

I used to do this, until I saw an engine light off because the P-lead became disconnected...

[Desert Rat]

Originally Posted by claycookiemonster

There was a thread about the right color of sharpie for marking things, believe it or not!

I do believe it...It's in section 5 of Vans build manual that blue lasts longer on aluminum than any other color, but nobody knows why

As far as my own habits, I'm sure I've got bunch that I don't even notice, but the only one that comes to mind at the moment is that my dad taught me that there's a right way to use a crescent wrench and if you put it on backward you put undue stress on the movable jaw.

'I have no idea if thats even remotely true, but I always do it like he showed me, about 45 years ago.

[Ironflight]

I always disconnect an air tool from its hose when I put the tool down on a bench - I’ve broken enough drill bits when the weight of the hose (or someone tripping on it) pulled the drill motor off the table. I disconnect them so automatically I don’t even think about it anymore….

[wirejock]

I also do most of the habits posted.
Cut outside the line
Drill the first hole #41
Disconnect air from tools

I always test the countersink cage on scrap. I have three and no matter how many perfect countersinks, they still get tested before final hole.

I drill holes in fiberglass one size smaller. Clekos fit better and can always be upsized later if needed.

[David Paule]

The most-used power tool in my shop is the shop vac. I vacuum up ships and dust as soon as I can. Could probably get away with less but that's what I do.

Dave

[DRMA]

As well as the above, a few more items:

- Always disconnect tools from power source before changing bits/blades/etc.
- Always put chuck key back before using tool (flying key really hurts)
- Always back up the hole being drilled with a small wood block (helps prevent drilled fingers)

[hrhodes2@comcast.net]

Sneak up to EVERYTHING. Undersize. Dat air tool came alive! So wrong:-)