For solving my first fundamental problem with building the Guillow's PLanes this big and out of plywood, I need to find out the bare minimal when it comes to power tools. I figure those may be the most expensive. The sooner I find out, the sooner I can add all of it up and see if it's even an option for me. how old were you when you started blowing them up?
oh... this is going to be fun!
I was 49 when I did my first big plane. The Guillow's P-40... 500 series, blown way big... see: http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap46.htm
About twenty years ago we decided to see just how big we could blow up the plan for this model airplane. It came out to an 80" wingspan. Then for years we just stood around and looked at the plan, trying to decide if it would be practical to try to build it. Turns out, that sometimes you just have to do, what you have to do.
As for tools, this is a rough list of stuff that makes it easier to build big. Alex, you've proven more than once that you ain't stupid, so you'll understand if I say that you wouldn't have to have everything on this list, but if you did have it all, you'd thank me later. There's always more than one way to skin a cat, so you could probably figure out how to do alot of stuff without some of these tools, but I have all of this stuff, and wish I had more clamps every day...
Here's walk thru of blowing up a plan, and building the plane:
http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap49.htm
The list:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G4
Craftsman 1/3 hp Bench Top 4'' x 36'' Belt/6'' Disc Sander (21514)
$118.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G2
Craftsman 1/3 hp 3.5 amp 10'' Band Saw (21400)
$199.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ckType=G14
Craftsman NEXTEC 12.0V Lithium-Ion True Finish™ Sander
$29.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G4
Craftsman 19.2 Volt 4 pc. C3 Combo Kit
$149.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ckType=G10
14 pc. Spring Clamp Set with 2 pc. Ratcheting Clamps
$9.99 <<==THESE ARE IMPORTANT. WHOMEVER DIES WITH THE MOST CLAMPS, WINS!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G5
Craftsman 5 pc. Wood Chisel Set
$34.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ckType=G10
Stanley 4 Piece Pliers Set (84-026 / 84-028 / 84-029 / 84-032)
$19.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G2
Craftsman 18 pc. Screwdriver Set
$19.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... kType=G137
DeWalt DW2166 Screwdriving Set 45-Piece
$13.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G1
Performance Tool Wilmar PTWW9023 20 Pc Quick Change Drill and Driver $23.30
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ckType=G18
Buffalo Tools 41-Piece Rotary Tool Kit
$49.40
bp