Things I've learned from building an airplane ...

Post by **Spike** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:08 pm

I was pondering over my latest building efforts this morning during my commute thinking about all of the lessons that have been taught me. I got to thinking that one of the neatest aspects of this experience is not things that I have learned about aircraft or working on them, but all of the other skills that I have had to pick up. Things like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc. Ive had to learn tons just to build the workshop and jigs that I wanted. The latest effort was to put up insulation and install a heater into my shed so that I can prime parts in the winter.

This is a long and slow project but it is definitely a rewarding and educational one.

John

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:07 pm

ive learned how to piss people off and not even mean to do it.

. the internet is such an informal place with out the ability to show true expressions. if i cant see your face and you cant see mine when i share idea's with you (people) you often get the entirely wrong

impression.

emoticons help but people see them as a veil to hide sarcasm.

oh yea i learned how to get money from a turnip,

and how to run off most of my friends.

an my son thinks im the man that lives in the shop

. not really.

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:41 pm

Right there with you....

I have have become a master at compromise, suppressing my obsessive compulsive disorder, learning when good enough is good enough, saying no to that little devil on my shoulder that tells me I need every cool tool and gizmo known to man and definately have developed a knack for pulling money out of thin air!

If a married working man can build an RV, keep the wife somewhat happy and not have the kids ask "Mom who is that guy in our garage?", he can do just about anything.

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:47 pm

I've learned that dreams are yours to keep whether they are realized or not.

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:17 am

I've learned to keep my mouth shut about burning brush.

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:17 am

I have learned to be more patient, learned perseverance, and that plans need to be changed sometimes. Not just airplane stuff but life lessons. It has been a good experience and I'm not done learning yet. Who knows what else will come along.

BSwayze · Post by **BSwayze** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:19 am

Besides saying "ditto" to everything above, I've learned (well... I should say I'm still learning) how to deal with all the different responses from family and friends regarding my involvement in this project. Most of them, I should say, are supportive and enthusiastic even if they don't share the dream I have. But others frown or are downright hostile, even questioning my sanity. In retrospect, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Not everyone sees things the same way I do, but it still surprises me when someone I care about just doesn't get it.

Thermos · Post by **Thermos** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:36 am

Brantel wrote:I have have become a master at compromise, suppressing my obsessive compulsive disorder, learning when good enough is good enough, saying no to that little devil on my shoulder that tells me I need every cool tool and gizmo known to man and definately have developed a knack for pulling money out of thin air!

I'll second everything that Brantel said...except the part about not buying tools. My wife and I went to the tools department at Sears last weekend and I got really depressed because for once I couldn't find a tool that I thought I needed!

But seriously...

I've learned that it's all too easy to let family life pass by while I'm holed up in the garage doing my own stuff - whatever it is - and I've learned how to recognize those little unintentionally-sent signs from my wife that I'm not getting the family balance right.

Dave

TomNativeNewYorker · Post by **TomNativeNewYorker** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:40 am

Thermos wrote:
I'll second everything that Brantel said...except the part about not buying tools. My wife and I went to the tools department at Sears last weekend and I got really depressed because for once I couldn't find a tool that I thought I needed!

Since you have exhausted all tool options from Sears, it is time to move on to the next level.

The tool underworld.

http://www.yardstore.com/

http://aircraft-tool.com/

http://www.browntool.com/

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml

There are more out there, but I think you have enough to get a start for now.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:43 am

This is a good thread! I've read and agree with ALL of the above. The RV project has made me realize that persistence is key, and that it rolls over in to daily life. We just keep working towards a goal, and one day it will pay off.

I did get to redo my garage, and that primed my appetite for home projects like tearing down a wall! I'm hoping that if I decide to do my own paint on the RV, that I will enjoy it...maybe I'll enjoy painting house walls. Doubtful...

dons · Post by **dons** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:09 pm

We all seem to be learning much the same lessons, which just goes to show how similar an experience this is for everyone. I've had to come to accept that I spend more time preparing things around the project, like my shop, jigs, etc. than I do actually working on the plane. Oh, and that parts prep is about 95% of the aluminum work, match drilling and putting the pieces together hardly takes any time at all.

Thermos · Post by **Thermos** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:59 pm

TomNativeNewYorker wrote:Since you have exhausted all tool options from Sears, it is time to move on to the next level.

The tool underworld.

http://www.browntool.com/

Oooh buddy, I like Brown Tool! I travel to Oklahoma City every few months and always manage to find some time to vist them. They're not the cheapest place, but I save by not paying shipping. And unlike Sears, I've never left Brown Tool empty-handed!

Dave

RV7Factory · Post by **RV7Factory** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:37 pm

weezbad wrote:ive learned how to piss people off and not even mean to do it. . the internet is such an informal place with out the ability to show true expressions. if i cant see your face and you cant see mine when i share idea's with you (people) you often get the entirely wrong impression. emoticons help but people see them as a veil to hide sarcasm.

This post just ticks me off!!!

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:07 pm

Oprah Winfry had this man on tape and I hightly recomend wathching it to all airplane builders, pilots, fathers and mothers. It is of a young father (by my 72 yr old standards) who is probably dead now or soon will be. It is what we are all about as builders and our dreams. http://video.google.com/googleplayer.sw ... 0469&hl=en

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:51 am

i share this mans view whole heartedly. i once was weeks from death and freinds couldnt understand my outlook. i told them not to worry,were all gonna get to do it. i just get to be first for a change. things always went in alphabetical order, school, the army or anywhere else. this time i get to go first.

i simply knew the odds. didint mean i wanted to die just meant that i knew i likely would. i never let up. when chemo makes you feel better you know you 90% dead. or maybe it was the 1500mg. of prednisone for three days in a row.

my only concerns were
1) leaving a 7 year old son behind that is absolutely the most passionate person ive ever known.
2) having my father loose another son.
3) having my family loose another brother.
4) i wasnt overly worried about my wife because she is smart and beautiful, i knew her life at some time would be complete again.
5) having my best friend feel like he was left behind.

finally i wasnt concerned about the plane, well sort of

you cant will yourself to life, but you can depress yourself to death.

people do tend to wallow in self pitty and there is no need for that, it will kill you sooner than later.
you, on average have 32000 days to live, spend them however you like. i choose to spend them with my family chasing dreams

oh yeah , i always prayed to at least make it till my son was 10 and now he is so everything from here is a bonus.

and its looking pretty good.

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:56 am

RV7Factory wrote:
weezbad wrote:ive learned how to piss people off and not even mean to do it. . the internet is such an informal place with out the ability to show true expressions. if i cant see your face and you cant see mine when i share idea's with you (people) you often get the entirely wrong impression. emoticons help but people see them as a veil to hide sarcasm.
This post just ticks me off!!!

oh yeah...what you gonna do about it

buy me a beer

TomNativeNewYorker · Post by **TomNativeNewYorker** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:51 am

Thermos wrote:
TomNativeNewYorker wrote:Since you have exhausted all tool options from Sears, it is time to move on to the next level.

The tool underworld.

http://www.browntool.com/
Oooh buddy, I like Brown Tool! I travel to Oklahoma City every few months and always manage to find some time to vist them. They're not the cheapest place, but I save by not paying shipping.

I never had to pay for shipping with brown because all my orders have been over $85 qualifying for the free shipping deal.

Usually I can find enouh stuff to get to $85, or if not, there is usually someone I work with that wants something that gets me over the free shipping hump.

Once I was trying to order a 90 degree drill motor. The one they had on special was out of stock, so for an extra $10, the offered me an extended reach drill motor which was about $100 savings for me. Jumped on that deal.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:15 am

weezbad wrote:i share this mans view whole heartedly.<snip>

And we're very glad you did Willy.

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:55 am

Bob Barrett wrote:Oprah Winfry had this man on tape and I hightly recomend wathching it to all airplane builders, pilots, fathers and mothers. It is of a young father (by my 72 yr old standards) who is probably dead now or soon will be. It is what we are all about as builders and our dreams. http://video.google.com/googleplayer.sw ... 0469&hl=en

Thanks for sharing/posting the link. Wow... what a great individual who is now reaching millions with a great philosopy on how to live life each and every day.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:08 pm

I think I am going to pay it for the kids in my class on Monday morning.

CJ