Lancair International Inc., Represented by Neico Aviation Inc., Copyright 2008 Redmond, OR 97756
Chapter 1
Page 1.11
REV. 2nd Ed./08-15-06
Introduction to the Lancair ES FastBuild Kit
ES
Air grinder
These come with a fantastic array of special bits and we can't imagine building a composite
aircraft without a air grinder tool. You'll use this tool more than any other in your growing tool
collection.
Tip:
If you do not have an air compressor, consider getting a Dremel tool. The Dremel works
similar to the air grinder tool but it is not as powerful.
Tungsten carbide bits for Dremel tool
The Dremel bit can easily cut prepreg. Prepreg is very easy to work with except that it eats
power tool blades/bits for breakfast. Dremel's tungsten carbide cutters come in various shapes
and sizes and are your best bet. Some of the Dremel part numbers to look for are 9931 through
9936. The carbide bits last a long time as long as you don't use them on aluminum or Kevlar™,
which tend to gum them up. They are expensive and we paid about $12.00 for a single bit. For
availability check hobby stores, hardware stores, Sears, and the KCI catalog. There is also a
wide range of bits for cutting, grinding, buffing, polishing, etc., for use with the Dremel. If these
bits are available, get one of each. You can make a holder for the bits out of a piece of 2x4 with
drilled holes for holding the bits.
Epoxy pump (Sticky Stuff dispenser)
An epoxy pump pays for itself in saved epoxy. With every pump of the handle you will receive
the proper amount of resin and hardener without needing to weigh or measure. With practice
you'll know the proper number of pumps needed for the size of the lamination you are
completing. We offer this item in our KCI catalog and highly recommend its use. Many builders
use a lightbulb heated box over their epoxy pumps to keep the epoxy warm and thin. This is fine
and we do the same. If you don’t plan to use the pump for a week or so, turn off the lightbulb.
Otherwise the volatiles in the epoxy can evaporate out and cause faulty curing or no curing at all.
If you are using the pump every night you don’t need to worry about evaporation and you can
leave the lightbulb on. Use no higher than a 25 watt bulb in your box.
Rotary cutter and blades (Pizza Cutter)
Use a rotary blade to cut fiberglass cloth quickly and cleanly. Scissors do not cut cleanly and
should not be used on fiberglass. The rotary cutter and blades are available through the KCI
catalog. Always purchase extra blades. We suggest getting the aluminum rotary cutter (G-T-
01001) for fiberglass work since it tends to last much longer and stands up to acetone. It you get
