SonexBuilders.net

Hello fellow Sonex builders,
I am awaiting an October delivery of my Sonex B tail kit.
I live in Rye NY,
I would appreciate any relevant advice; especially regarding which battery operated rivet gun to purchase; e.g. the Milwaukee 18V or 12V model rivet tool, as well as;
what size workbench to build while I await delivery.
And any other relevant advice.
It would be nice to hear from Sonex builders / owners / pilots in my area.

Thanks,
Alan Kachalsky

Welcome Alan! Some positive feedback on the Milwaukee M-12 here:
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=5354

I used to live in Fairfield County, CT which is not far from Rye. Now I'm halfway across the country. There are a few New Englanders and Long Islanders in the group though.

Edit: regarding the workbench, should be long enough to hold a wing, flat, and something you can drill and cleco into.

I favor a table on wheels.
https://youtu.be/Xa4O4vRuJrU?si=kAzKXO-1J5MvUhPG

Looks useful, the table on wheels; any idea if / where the plans for it are? I know EAA has plans for a workbench.

Thanks, Bryan

I had no plans. I used a Luann door because they are pretty flat and stable. Put some plywood over the top. Mounted it on a couple of steel studs which then mounted to a 2x4 frame. Shelf on the bottom and middle. Wheels from anywhere on the bottom. I had to extend it 2 or 3' on each side for the wings.

I think others here have shared their workbench solutions. Lots of good ideas.

Greetings!

First, the EAA workbench is here:

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/builderresources/while-youre-building/building-articles/tools-and-workshop/worktables

I built it in a modified way. I actually built two benched from the plans. See what I did here:

http://tdaircraft.com/building-other-stuff/

My extra shop stuff is listed here:

http://tdaircraft.com/category/building-hints/

Next, Bryan Cotton is an EXCELLENT source of information, advice and videos.

You tube is also your friend but be careful. There can be good and bad advice there. Videos are great to see how things are oriented.

As you start the tail, check out the homebuilthelp videos on YouTube. I spent the money to buy them on DVD at homebuilthelp.com

Be sure to keep plenty of pictures and a written notebook.

Gung Ho!

(Gung = To Work, Ho= in harmony)

Dkb

Thank you, David,
I think I'm going to build 2 of the EAA Workbenches and modify with extra overhang as suggested by Lakespookiw on the DOES A TABLE QUALIFY AS A TOOL thread. That should be a good start as I'm planning to build the tail in the living room of my 1 BR apartment.

AND THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED TO MY QUESTIONS!!

Thank you Bryan,
Those links will be quite helpful!! I have a lot to learn; but it sure is a lot easier to get help these days with the internet, and forums and organizations like this!!

Alan K.

Built mine more than 11 years ago, so just pneumatic rivet puller, but the bench I made is 4 ft. wide by 12 ft long smooth and flat MDF board ( spliced in middle) on a very rigid base with large casters and home made floor jacks for leveling. It is still very much a part of my shop today even though it has not had major aircraft parts on it in many years. So assuming you will have the space for it after your plane is completed, take the time to make a good table.

David A.