Lancair International Inc., Represented by Neico Aviation Inc., Copyright 2008 Redmond, OR 97756
Chapter 1
Page 1.8
REV. 2nd Ed./08-15-06
Introduction to the Lancair ES FastBuild Kit
ES
1.5 Shop Tools and Supplies
This section contains the following topics:
• Tool suppliers
• Descriptions of basic shop tools
• Descriptions of specialized shop tools
• Shop supplies
In addition, Appendix E
Tools
on page E.1 contains a shopping list of the tools listed in this
section and also a list of the tools that we supply during the builder assist program. We
recommend that you obtain all of these tools for your shop.
Introduction
The tools and supplies described in this section are extremely useful in your shop. They are not
mandatory but we highly recommend all of these tools. The tools we feel are most important are
included in the Appendix E
Tools
on page E.1.
Since you may not be familiar with all of the tools, we have included a description of each.
Tools and supplies that are available through Kit Components, Inc. (KCI) can be ordered from:
Kit Components, Inc.
Address:
2244 Airport Way
Redmond, OR 97756
Phone:
541-923-2244
Email:
Other locations for buying tools and aircraft supplies are:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Address:
225 Airport Circle
Corona, CA 92880-2527
Phone:
1-877-4-SPRUCE
Email:
1.5.A Basic Tools
Saber saw (jig saw)
This saw is very handy for cutting out large or complex shapes from prepreg material. You can
use a manual saw but it won't be fun. Always have plenty of sharp blades and change them often.
Dull blades create rough edges and create more sanding/smoothing work later in the building
process. We use carbide-tipped blades exclusively for the composite cutting.
Electric or cordless drill motor
Most of the material you drill on a glass kit is fairly soft and thin and should require no more
than a small drill motor with at least a 3/8" chuck. We recommend a variable speed over a two
speed. Also buy one with a 1/2" chuck. When you drill plastic parts they must be drilled at a very
slow speed that is below the range of all single and most two-speed drill motors.
Drill press
One of the most useful tools is the drill press. It is a necessity for precision drilling. It can be
used in drilling out broken bolts, and it can cut holes using a fly-cutting tip.
Drill bits (numbered and fractional)
It takes a lot of cheap drill bits to make a lousy hole that one good bit could have made quickly
and perfectly. We recommend that you buy a good set of numbered drill bits. Lettered drills are
also handy like the "E" (.250") or the “D” (.246") with a reamer.
Carpenter's levels (2 and 4 foot lengths)
Levels are indispensable in a good shop and essential for building straight. Buy good aluminum
levels. Make sure they have straight edges and then round the sharp ends a bit so you won't
gouge any holes into your precious prepared surfaces.
