Trying to save a buck

[MikeJB]

First forum I've ever joined. Looks like an interesting place. Always looking to save money on tools by making my own, so that there's a little left over for projects.
Mike

[kbalch]

Hi Mike,

Welcome - glad to have you here!

What sort of homemade tools do you like to build? Are you working on anything currently?

Ken

[Jon]

Hi MikeJB - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Nice avatar. Ken and I are both pilots. You too?

[MikeJB]

Hi Ken and Jon,
Thanks for the welcome!
That avatar is a picture of what my project is supposed to look like if I ever get it done. Been flying on and off since 1977, and sold my little Cessna 150 a few years ago. Got to get this done. The grand kids are growing up too fast.
I'm retired, and have had this project in my shop since 1999. It was started by someone else, and died on his workbench. It is a Stits SA-11A 'Playmate', a design from the 1960's.
Right now I'm in need of a six foot wide, light duty sheet metal roller. Just gonna take more time to put this together. Seems every time I turn around I need a tool I don't have, can't rent, much less afford to buy.
I can see this forum is a place with no shortage of good ideas.
Mike

[kbalch]

Hey Mike,

I thought that was a Playmate! As I'm sure you know, Van started with one in the '60s, modified it, and eventually wound up with the RV-3 and the beginnings of his homebuilt empire. I built an early RV-8 (see pic below) and had a blast flying it all over the country. It's long since sold, unfortunately, but we do what we must. I've been out of aviation for a few years (playing with motorcycles and race cars), but am seriously considering getting current again and picking up another airplane. I'd like to do something I haven't done yet; the L-39 is my leading contender at the moment.

Anyway, it's good to have you here. Feel free to PM me anytime at all with aviation questions (or for any other reason, of course)…

Ken