Killer Deal

I have been working 60-80 hours a week to quickly save up for tools and empennage kits. During downtime, sneak over to VAF.  The classified section received close attention for tools. Well, a partially complete (rudder, vertical stab, horizontal stab complete; elevator started) empennage kit was for sale only 2 hours away in Orlando Florida for $1000!!!  I INSTANTLY replied and got in touch with the seller Roy.  He sent me about 140 pictures that night, and we agreed on the following weekend to meet up.  Thank you Roy!!  This certainly saved money that will not be put toward the wing kit, but also saved a bunch of build time.

Today after work,  built 4 horizontal stabilizer cradles out of some scrap wood.  Remember that fish tank that was scrapped, yup, still reusing the wood.  The H. Stab will be the longest piece to transport at a bit more than 11 feet long.  After some searching online, and texting with Roy, I got the measurements for the H. Stab to build the cradles in advance.

2X4 wood already cut. 

Found the Center and measured 2.5" to each side.  I marked 4.5 but it's actually 5".  The H. Stab is about 4 inches thick.  Added 1" for a bit extra room.

The inside of the vertical 2X4s, are lined up with the above marks then held in place with standard wood screws.  

Meet my little friend hanging out in the cradle hall.

A total of 4 built

Some regular 1" ratchet strap laying around

And here it is. Cradles made with nothing but supplies already on hand.  

Yup, I need better lighting in the garage.  Looks like I'll have to install the lighting sooner than later.  

Stay tuned for more...