by mike.smith » Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:09 pm
I've been flying my scratch built for 10 years, now, so costs have increased. But I spent $28,000 all-in, including materials and tools. AeroVee 2.1, smoke system, MGL Xtreme Mini, transponder, MGL panel mount radio, uAvionix ADSB in/out, ELT, polished finish (Rustoleum rattle can paint on cowl and other fiberglass). Others who are good scroungers and simpler avionics have built for $16,000.
Tools:
- Snips/shears
- Drill press
- Band saw
- Grinder w/ Scotchbrite wheel
- Cordless drill
- Harbor Freight rivet gun
- 5 gal compressor (started w/30 gal, but got rid of it)
- Manual rivet puller
- Files
- Drill bits and uni-bits
- Dremel with cut-off wheel
- Other miscellaneous small stuff
- No other expensive or fancy stuff
There is really no need for anything exotic or fancy to build a Sonex. I gave up using air tools (like a pneumatic drill) about 2 weeks after starting to make parts. I found it unnecessary, and it got frustrating waiting for a 30 gal tank to fill with air. A cordless drill is all you need. I later got a 5 gal compressor for the rivet gun, and that was plenty. Lots of pulls, and it fills up fast.