VS or HS First?

[pilot28906]

I am planning on starting on the emp soon and see that the manual says start with the HS. The VS looks less complex; is there any reason that you must start with the HS?

Thanks,
John

[dan]

"Must" is a strong word, but put it this way...

The HS has a BOTTOM.

If I need to expand on that lemme know...

[java]

...and you get what you paid for it.

VS is easier (one spar, smaller part, easier access). Either is fine to start. I'm only just completing my emp, so whether that is a strong or weak indicator of reliability of advice... you'll have to choose. You won't go wrong either way, just get building.

[szicree]

Originally Posted by dan

"Must" is a strong word, but put it this way...

The HS has a BOTTOM.

If I need to expand on that lemme know...

You definitely got a chuckle out of me with that one, Dan. Very good advice and it really reminds me that Van has got this stuff pretty well figured out.

[pilot28906]

Dan,
Please expand on the "Bottom" part.

John

[alpinelakespilot2000]

My advice is that, hands down, do the VS first. If you search through these threads you'll see MANY builders give this advice as well. The VS is simpler, smaller, and much cheaper if you mess something up the first time around. If you use a swivel flush set it is virtually impossible to dent things up. Just practice a couple rivets first.

[txaviator]

No to speak for Dan...BUT....

The bottom part he refers to, means that on your first session of setting rivets, the BOTTOM of the HS (which nobody will typically ever see) is a more "forgiving" place to have a slip of the rivet gun, etc.

In other words, start with the HS. The instructions do this for a reason. If you make a "smiley" when the rivet gun may slip, it will be on an area which will not be seen. By the time you get to the VS, you'll hopefully be riveting with much more confidence

[Sparky]

My guess is that Dan is referring to the bottom is out of view, therefore any screwups are not seen.

[G-force]

I believe he means all your beginner mistakes and dents can be on the bottom side of the HS where they are not visable Personaly, I built about everything at the same time. The Vans directions seem to be arranged to give you a "feel good" boost by totaly completing each piece one at a time. From a time managenment point...this suck. I did as much to every piece of the kit that I could while I was doing that process...such as fluting ALL the ribs at the same time, deburring ALL the holes at the same time, dimpling ALL the skins at the same time, etc, having all the skeletons ready to prime and assemble at the same time, etc. I suppose if your inexperienced at metal fabrication and general shop procedures, I can see Vans way of doing it...you get a taste of each stage, learn as you do it, and mistakes will be isolated to a small number of parts.

[philb]

that's where all the smilies are supposed to go.

wish it worked for me, i've got several more noticeable smilies on the tops of my elevators and HS than i have on the bottoms!

phil kslc
rv10 emp, slobuild wings shipping...