Here is a list of the shop
supplies, building materials and tools I frequently use. Although some more than others, I have tried
to list those that I use the most. I
have bought recommended tools that I have hardly used. After been fairly advanced in the
construction process, I realize that I may never have a need for them. Those, I have not included in the list. However, like anything else, others may find
their use to be significant or important.
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1. CLEANERS
·
ORANGE GOOP – Citrus/pumice based soap.
·
LIQUID HAND SOAP
2. CUPS
·
PLASTIC CUPS (9 oz) - I never use anything bigger
for mixing epoxy, microballoons or Jeffco.
I prefer to mix small batches and hardly ever waste any resin. I do use a slightly bigger container to mix
primer.
·
CUPS (3 oz) - For mixing small amounts of
epoxy.
3. EPOXY
·
EZ-POXY
·
VELOCIPOXY
·
FIVE-MINUTE EPOXY
·
JB WELD
4. CLOTH
FIBERGLASS
·
UNI
·
BID
·
TRIAX
·
DACRON PEEL PLY
5. FILLERS/THICKENERS
·
FLOX - Structural
·
MILLED FIBER – I
prefer Flox whenever I can due to excessive weight and tendency to run while
curing. Usually mixed with Flox when
used.
·
MICROBALLOONS - Finishing
·
CAB-O-SIL - Thickener
6. FOAM
· Blue Polystyrene - Extruded foam used to form the airfoils.
·
Dyvinicel (Blue P.V.C.) – Used
extensively in the molding process and making of flat parts.
7. GLOVES
·
LATEX INDUSTRIAL GLOVES –
As needed.
·
INDUSTRIAL LEATHER
GLOVES
8. MIXING STICKS - I usually used tongue depressors for mixing and would glue
two of them to make them stronger when the mixture was too thick. I got from my wife a bunch of crafts’ popsicle sticks for mixing smaller amounts.
9. PAPER TOWELS – As needed. I have two dispensers;
one next to the epoxy pump bench and one next to the working bench.
10. SHOP RAGS – I bought a packet of square cotton shop towels.
11. SOLVENTS
·
ACETONE – As needed. Strong solvent for epoxy.
·
DENATURED ALCOHOL – As needed. Cleans epoxy and
surfaces from residue. This is the one I
use the most.
12. TAPES
·
MASKING TAPE – Different widths.
·
DUCT TAPE – As
needed.
My personal recommendation
is that you do not buy expensive electrical or air tools. Fiberglass dust grinds and clogs the inside
of your tools. In many instances, you
will have to replace them and the expensive ones will not last any longer. Some builders clean their tools frequently
but I believe this is a waste of my time, if the tool costs $15 and it lasts 3
years. I take care of my tools but
there is nothing more damaging or difficult and time-consuming to clean, than
fiberglass dust. I am actually impressed
at how much abuse these cheap ones take and how long they last. I may have missed and left out some really
important tools.
1. AIR COMPRESSOR - Recommend minimum 5 horsepower motor if used with pneumatic
sanding tools.
2. AIR TOOLS
·
BODY SAW -
The replacement blades are expensive and seem to break easy. I cut pieces of hack saw blades as
replacement blades.
·
CUT OFF
TOOL (3”)
·
RIGHT
ANGLE AIR GRINDER WITH ACCESSORIES - This is one of the tools I use the
most. I use it a lot for grinding with
coarse sanding discs.
3.
ALLEN
WRENCH SET
4.
ANGLE
FINDER
5. BAND SAW
6. BENCH GRINDER /
BUFFER
7.
BRUSHES (1
AND 2 INCHES) – Used for stippling epoxy.
8.
C-CLAMPS
– Several sizes
9. CIRCULAR SAWS –
I used one to open the wing bolt access
holes on the bottom strakes and found them hard to control for fine
accuracy. Unlike wood, the foam density
is not enough to grip and guide the drill bit.
Maybe others have used them successfully but I never used them
again. For accuracy, I draw the circle
with a compass and use a grinding bit on a Dremel and approach the edges with a
sanding drum. I use rounded files,
sanding discs and paper as needed.
10. CLECO PLIERS AND
CLECOS - Sizes: 3/32, 1/8 and 5/32
11. COMPASS SET
12. COUNTERSINK
CAGE AND COUNTERSINKS - Sizes: 3/32, 1/8 and 3/16
13. DEBURRING TOOLS – Various
types including a Dog Tail Deburring Tool (high use for me).
1.
DREMEL
TOOL WITH ACCESSORIES
2.
DRILLS
·
Cordless - I have two
rechargeable drills and never seem to have them charged when I need them or
when fully charged, it never lasts long enough.
I gave up on them early on. If I
would have known, I would not have bought them for this project.
·
Electric
Variable Speed Drill –
I bought a
reversible, adjustable speed, tight quarters electrical drill and I
think it is one of the most useful tools I have.
·
Right
Angle Drill Adapter – I find it very useful in certain situations
3. DRILL BIT - Set of 1/64th Increments and 1/4” by 12" long.
4. DRILL BENCH PRESS
5.
ELECTRICAL
MULTIPLE OUTLETS. I have
four strategically located on the walls around the shop
6.
FILE SET
7.
FLARING
TOOL
8. EPOXY RATIO PUMP 100:44 ratio.
9.
EXTENSION
CORDS - I have a couple of 25 foot
multiple receptacles extension cords to cover all of the garage area.
10. HANDSAWS - I have
several different ones that I use depending on the task.
11. HOT GLUE GUN AND GLUE STICKS – Great to
keep parts in place while curing. It can
be removed afterwards if necessary.
12. LEVELS
·
Digital
Level
·
Laser
Level
13. PLIERS (Various)
14. RULERS.
Metal and flexible rulers
15. REAMER – Sizes 3/16” and 1/4”
16. RIVETING TOOL
/RIVETS - Various types, sizes and lengths.
17. ROLLERS,
SMALL FOAM (4 – 6
inches)
18. SABRE SAW. (Hacksaw blades will work).
19. SANDING DISCS -
Sizes: 1.5” and 3”. Grits: 36, 80
and 120.
20. SANDING PAPER - Various
grits.
21. SCISSORS
·
Long (12
-14 IN) – I use this one exclusively to cut fiberglass cloth and never let epoxy
come near it. It still cuts as new.
·
Regular
size
22. SCREWDRIVER SETS -
23. SHOP LIGHTS - You will
need a lot of lighting in your shop. I
installed numerous fluorescent shop
lights in my garage. I have a halogen
shop lamp for good lighting and sometimes to keep epoxy warm. Also, a portable fluorescent one that is
very handy. It has a hanger, comes with
a 25 foot cord and has an outlet where you can plug in other tools. I use it a lot inside the fuselage and place
it in tight areas where use of an outside lamp is not practical.
24. SOCKET WRENCH, EXTENSIONS AND SOCKET SETS
25. SPATULAS
- Sizes: 1.5” and 3” wide
26. STEEL SQUARES
- Various
sizes.
27. STRAIGHT EDGE – I use a
3’ and 6’. I also happen to have a
wooden yardstick around.
28. SWAGING TOOL
29. TAPS – Sizes: 10-32, 1/4”-28. 1/4” and 3/8" N.P.T.
30. TORQUE WRENCH
31. TUBE BENDERS
32. CIRCULAR KNIFE AND MULTI-BLADE UTILITY KNIVES
– Various sizes
33. VERNIER CALIPERS – I use both
a digital and a plastic one
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© Jorge A. Bujanda / 2004-2010