Danny King's "Beautiful Doll"

About Me

I'm a "still-working" professional who has been blessed with a wonderful, supportive wife, great kids (now grown) and a fulfilling career. I love spending time with my spouse, family and friends, and enjoy "hands-on" recreational projects. I've been enamored with aviation since my "Sky King" Saturday mornings of decades past. I obtained my private ticket while still in my teens, and have enthusiastically participated in a variety of aviation related endeavors since. I currently fly a factory-built composite single engine aircraft. However, the actual "nuts and bolts" of aviation have always fascinated me. I've considered building my own plane for years, With the support of my wife, I'm undertaking what I anticipate to be a multi-year project. While I'm reasonably good with my hands, I realize that this project is going to require a whole new knowledge and skill set. I've never "blogged", but figure that trying to master this communication medium will carry its own challenges and rewards. I enjoy journeys as much as destinations, and have no goals for this project other than fun! Hope I can share some of my enthusiasm with you!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Good week!






I managed to get out in the shop several times this week. Riveted the rear spar HS-609 bars to HS-603 rear spar, then attached the hinge brackets and center bearing. Unfortunately, I also learned about the perils of using an uncalibrated, borrowed torque wrench. I way over-torqued the bolts attaching HS-411! Quick email order to Vans for new bolts and nuts!! (Fortunately less than $8 plus mailing for the set - maybe the cheapest aviation-related purchase I've ever made). After searching options on Vans Air Force web site, I decided to purchase a ParkTool beam-type torque wrench calibrated in 0-60 inch pounds. $30 dollars to Amazon and one day later it's in hand! This weekend I finished the front spar assembly and riveted on the HS-801 left skin. Lots of practice in squeezing, riveting and drilling out bad rivets, but in the end I'm pretty happy with the result. Next - right side skin, then I'll have my first "congratulations - you've finished the first major sub-assembly on your new airplane" (to quote page 6-4 of the Van's Construction Manual)!!
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