REFLECTOR: tools, tools, and tools again

[Grigore Rosu]

Dear Reflectorists,

Thank you everybody for the valuable input on tools and the engine.
Following your advise, I'll most likely go with the Lycoming 200HP, when the
time comes.  My original 160HP choice was based exclusively on range, but I
see the points you made, so probably in this case less range is OK for the
increase in power.  I would still be grateful for an answer on the prop arc
diameter ... or is the general advice to use a little cap chain and not
worry about positioning?

Regarding tools, I have just made another order with Aircraft Spruce;
another $200.  I think I spent close to $2,000 so far on tools; I had almost
no tools when I started my project.

For those who are just starting their project, please do not underestimate:

1) the number and cost of tools that you will need for your airplane; better
be realistic than  have surprizes.  Of course, if you can borrow tools from
a friend or another Velocity builder that is great; but I am totally
isolated in a university city (Urbana-Champaign) and my friends only know
how to write computer programs and solve mathematical equations; never heard
of something called "pipe flaring" :-)

2) the amount of extra-, initially unexpected time you'll need to spend
scratching your head or waiting for tools/materials.  Give each subproject a
generous estimate, then triple that.  I started fitting the pilot side lower
strake on January 18 and I was convinced that I would close the top strake
by the end of January if I give it all my time/energy.  There were the
"unexpected" fuel senders, which slowed me down a few good days:
"unexpected" because they were not even mentioned in the manual, and slowed
me down because I had to order and wait for them, then learn how to install,
ask, etc.  Well, now is Feb 4 and I still have to wait for the "unexpected"
finger strainers, the AN fittings needed for the change in plans, etc.
Assuming I receive these by Thursday and did not forget to order some
important little thing which will delay me one more week, then I may have a
chance to close the strake by the end of the week, say Feb 10.  Applying the
reasoning above, that probably means Feb 18 or so, making it about 1 month
of work for one strake only.  There is this Jeffco thing, though, which I
have never worked with and which has no proper webpage with detailed
explanations on how to use; I can only optimistically hope that there will
be no other "unexpected" issues with it ... though there always were ...

Grigore
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