Shop Set Up

Fuselage moved to Hangar

Hired Dependable Towing to move Fuselage from home shop to hangar at 3MY (Mt Hawley) with a "rollback" flatbed.  They did a great job, with lots of care for my "baby".  Cost $180 for 2 hrs. Railing on this truck was 1/2" higher than one I measured, so needed boards under wheels to clear Wheel Pant brackets.  But rails were expected 1.5" wider than outside wheel to wheel...so just enough clearance.    Next mission:  rent U-Haul to move Wings, Tail, tools and benches.

First time out of garage shop in daylight (the airplane, not me!)

Rollback in process winching up the incline (paused -- as I was
 off ramp to take pic).  When moving up ramp, I steered 
w/ towbar since close fit between rails.

Ready to go.  I used bolts (sheathed in plastic---from original
 QB delivery) in Wing Spars as anchor points on LH & RH side.
We took it easy at 45 mph, but I did secure any loose wiring
at Wing Roots, tail area.  Seemed very stable w/o any bounce.

Tah Dah !   Unloading was quicker.
 I steered with towbar as crew let out the winch.

Hooked up engine dryer to insure no moisture inside engine.

Shop Set Up

LED lights added in Hangar

My wife helped today install four 4' LED Shop lights in newly rented hangar.  ( Search Amazon "4 Pack LED Shop Light for Garage: 36W, 4Ft, BBounder 3600 Lumens"  Only $60 for all four.)  The airport staff brought a big ladder that worked perfectly. With Nancy's help, the project got done quickly.

Shop

Wing Jack Stands  ( 6 hrs )

Built 2 Wing Jack Stands, using Harbor Freight 3 Ton Rams (about $45 each on sale),  1/2" conduit,  SS hose clamps ( 2 for backup) and 2 ft x 2 ft plywood (from shipping crates).  Referenced examples from other builders on VAF.  Biggest job was flattening the conduit in vise on each end.  Ground couple SS 3/8-16 carriage bolts into spherical heads.  Drilled ends of Ram with 1/2" drill to match.  Using 1" to 1/2" reducers (piping at Menards, etc) as safeties to insure bolt head stays on top of ram !   Very solid, not too heavy to move around.

scrap plywood bases
 (note: either Lycoming or ABF sprayed message onto crate)

ground heads to fit 1/2" diameter drilled "hole"

1" to 1/2" reducer fits perfectly to insure bolt won't
slip off.  note two SS hose clamps

Empennage

Oct  2, 2016

Wing Cradles

I borrowed Terry Moushon's Wing Cradles he used to build his RV 10.  Same wing for RV14a as RV10, only shorter...so I'm sure they'll work (10' long, so shorter than my wings).    I arranged to pick up in my SUV, but Terry decided best to use his pick-up to deliver them to me.   Opportunity to show him my build progress since he brought the Wing Cradles right to my shop.  Sweet !  Thanks Terry !

I'm waiting for delivery of my QB Wings, and QB Fuselage.   Delayed couple extra weeks since Tony Partain's truck was delayed with last delivery to 2 builders in S. Carolina due to hurricane.  

Sigh...  Appears now late Oct.

Shop Set Up

Sunday, Oct 9, 2016

1 Ton Lift  

I purchased and assembled from Harbor Freight a One Ton Lift, that easily folds up for storage.   I've seen in use by other builders on their published builder's log.   I didn't plan to buy until next year closer to when I'll need it for engine installation, but it was on super sale at only $99.   Since I'm waiting extra couple weeks for QB wings and fuselage delivery via Tony Partain Transport,  it seemed now was the time to set it up.   Works well !

 

Shop A/C unit added

A/C for Airplane Factory

Purchased from Menards for $278 this portable 10,000 BTU A/C.  Runs on 115 a/c at 9.3 amps max...so readily accommodated.   Used 1x8 board from Van's Empennage Kit crate to allow 6" diameter exhaust ...and extra hole for water drain hose.    This is good option vs blocking my man door at other end of garage with window unit, etc.

Really pleased it's relatively quiet with lots of air flow, and puts out considerable cold air.   First day was not above 80's outside, but was very humid.  Kept the shop very comfortable even not "on" all the time.  AMEN !

Note:  removed guide wheels from top section, so could hold upper section "tight" against door frame seals.  Rigged door so can't be opened, and unplugged door opener for the summer or until needed...

Shop Set Up

Used leftover (from spray booth) 4 mil visqueen to separate "shop" from rest of garage.    Temps in shop with 1500 watt quartz heater has been barely 50 F.   Central Illinois January weather has been about average, with overnight temps reaching 0F.  

This should enable at least 60F in shop, maybe more on coldest days.  And less air exchange whenever cars come and go, too.

 My wife will be much happier to join me when I need another hand.   Plus, the compressor is now on other side...maybe just a bit quieter, too.

Empennage / Shop Set Up

Jan 3, 2016  (catching up in new builder's log)

Build temporary/portable spray booth (5 hrs)

Needed spray booth to do priming of interior parts.  Too cold in winter in central Illinois to do outside, but with self-etching primer, really necessary to evacuate air.   Designed to fit into one of twin "man doors" in south wall of garage.

Built with hinges at all joints so can simply fold up both and store against nearby wall.  Used inexpensive 1x2's, 4mil visqueen (sp?), and lots of staples.   Installed 20 inch box fan to evacuate.
In middle, used old fencing section to hang misc components.

Works great !

Prior to installing fan at door, etc.

Inital test to try "folding" against wall.

1st parts ready to prime

Initial prime coat

Shop Set Up

Sept to December 2015 (catching up in new builder's log)

Converted 3rd stall in garage into "airplane factory".     Added 6 more fluorescent fixtures (to 2 existing).   Added (3) 1/4" pegboards floor to ceiling.    Installed 21 gallon compressor with filter/regulator and lines.   Electrician added additional circuit to accommodate portable electric heater.   Bought on sale: drill press, sander, grinder, band saw, vise.   Installed shelving on south wall.
Bought Craftsman tool chest as portable workbench/storage.

Dec 2 after adding fluorescent lights

Built 2 EAA workbenches with adjustable feet to level.  Added full width drawers to each for more tool storage (using left over plywood from lower shelve on each!).   Added supports between end of tables so the new C Frame is mounted at correct level.  Turnbuckles front and back allow easy removal and re-install.   Using old 2 ft wide rug on table tops...nearly perfect fit!