nate(at)itfusionsos.com
Guest
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 Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 11:45 am Post subject: 601XL v. 701Cab |
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Bob (and all),
We lurkers do appreciate the novel-long info posts! I'm almost getting
information overload from this list.
Well, hello to everybody, I guess I'm not lurking anymore.
I have wanted to build a plane, and specifically a 601, for a long time
now. I planned on a kit for a long time but have since decided to
scratch build. If scuba-diver Michel Therrien can do it so can I, his
site and Larry's macsmachine.com site have been a real inspiration to
get going. I finally have an adequate home where I can begin the process
- I don't have major assembly room (read: a garage) but a good basement
where I can start fabricating parts and build a firewall-forward
package. I have access to a final assembly location when the time comes.
Started constructing a workshop and Christmas was good so the plans are
getting ordered this week.
Here's the plan:
1. Fabricate parts, assemble and fit as practical, corrosion protect,
then store for final assembly (make myself a 'kit').
2. Rebuild and complete engine and firewall forward parts. Static test
and tune engine at the old mans' farm in the middle of nowhere.
3. Move 'kit' to final assembly location, assemble. Move aircraft to
KMWC, finish and ground test.
4. Get inspection, get test pilot (hopefully locally), FLY!
And now, my first questions for the list:
- I'm in Milwaukee. Anyone know where I can source 6061 locally?
Menard's doesn't know what that is 
- I'm an EAA member, but want to join the local EAA chapter (Ch. 1 .
Apparently they were the original EAA chapter and have lots of builders
as members. I checked out one of their meetings back in '98. I'm going
to be frank here - I am 33 years old now and felt a little uncomfortable
being a young whippersnapper at age 25 at that meeting. Actually didn't
feel very welcome. Will I be received a little better now that I've
matured some?
- Bending brake. I plan to build a 48" wood brake as per plans on
ch601.org. My 8' pieces can be done at a customer of mine (a
metalworking shop) or hopefully Chapter 18 has such a tool. Any use
building a wood brake or will I just disappoint myself? I don't think I
want to lug all that steel into my basement and weld down there for a
Larry-design brake.
- Going with a 12" drill press (found out from here that a 10" doesn't
cut it. Should I go with the decent Sears or a cheap one from Harbor
Freight or Home Despot? Tool experience says go with the Sears or
better. Same for a band-saw (my current saw is all-but toast).
- Oh boy. Hate to ask this here... I'm thinking Corvair power. Ordering
WW's book today. Again, I'm in Milwaukee - can someone point me in the
right direction to source this locally? Please, I've read all the
opinions. A Jabiru, Rotax or Lycoming will cost at least twice the
airframe if not more. And I like motors and have rebuilt them in the
past.
- I restored a VW Karmann Ghia and swore I would never do another
metalworking project. I'm hoping that clean aluminum will be more
enjoyable than 30-year-old rusted steel and pewter.
Thanks for all your help!
Nate Erb
CH601XL scratchbuild
Corvair powered
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