![SR-1 cowl being integrated with spinner and cooling ducts. The cowl is assembled to itself/to the fuse primarily with countersunk #8 screws. [All images credited to Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1KP.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
![Lowell Farrand spent years serving as an FAA DAR and is in the EAA Hall of Fame. He offers sound advise to builders. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-4.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like a Builder")
![Author Bill Wilson takes a break from measuring and cutting the Lexan windshield during his Onex build. [All Images Credit to Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like A Builder")
Taking a Shine To 6061-T6 – Part 2
Cutting the initial shine with NuShine II F9 is key to a polished finish. Here's how to master the pad, pressure, speed, and polish for gleaming results.
CAD for the Home Shop
Explore how EAA members use Solid Edge and 3D printing to design, model, and build aircraft parts—affordably and efficiently with modern CAD tools.
Building a Custom Engine Mount
How a custom engine mount for the SR-1 was CNC’d, stress-tested, and welded for strength, weight savings, and tight packaging.
Taking a Shine To 6061-T6 – Part 1
Polishing aluminum transforms gray metal into a mirror finish—cheap, timeless, and endlessly messy but deeply rewarding.
Cable Ties For Ballast
Cable ties will become brittle over time and can break. Having weights come loose during flight, especially near the control system, could really ruin your day.
Starkey’s Custom Spark Plug Adapter Lock Wrench
Make spark plug changes easier with a custom spark plug wrench for auto plug adapters on aircraft engines.
A History of Aircraft Wiring Insulation
Discover the evolution of aircraft wiring insulation—from rubber and cotton to nylon, PVC, and Tefzel—and learn practical tricks for wiring your homebuilt.
Custom Heat Exchanger Fabrication
Designing and fabricating custom radiator and intercooler systems with packaging challenges.
In Case You Missed It
But Will It Fly the Plane?
Raconteur and avid WW-I-era airplane enthusiast Dick Starks regales us with tales of innovation and resourcefulness when he attempts to measure the pull of his and his compadres VW powerplants.
Eclipsing
One of the big motivators to amateur aircraft builders is simply dreaming about the adventures that their personal aircraft will allow them to accomplish.
Roll Your Own
Although the KK-1 is scratch-built, builders Ken Scott and Ken Krueger have used all of the modern tools at their disposal to expedite the design and building process. This month, Scott discusses the more than satisfactory results of load-testing the wing and horizontal stab;