![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=534&h=462&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")
Metal Magic: Drilling Like a Pro
It pays to get good with drilling because you'll be doing a lot of it.
Metal Magic: Tools
In this episode of our video series, Paul Dye describes some of the common tools a builder of a metal airplane will use.
This series...
Keeping It Simple and Affordable
The freedom to roll your own electrical system means you can make things very simple or very complex as desired.
Clean Oil Makes for a Happy Engine
You can do two things that will extend your engine’s life more than any others: Fly your airplane regularly and change your oil as...
Cylinder Hones and Honing
Honing and lapping are similar inasmuch as both employ abrasive action to remove metal and refine the finish of the surface that’s being honed...
Metal Magic: Shop Safety
In the first episode of the new KITPLANES Metal Magic video series, our host Paul Dye, multi-time builder and former NASA Flight Director, takes...
Makin’ PC Boards
Looking back at projects in prior issues of KITPLANES®, I realize I’ve given you a lot of good ideas for circuits without telling you...
Clearly the Same?
There are two materials that are commonly used for homebuilt windshields and windows: Lexan and Plexiglas.
Where’s the Throttle?
Engine controls, and all other controls in the cockpit, should be labeled as to function and direction. It is standard practice to use black...
1990 and 2006 Redux
Way back in 1990, when I had brown hair and was a wee lad of 47, I did one of my first KITPLANES® articles...
In Case You Missed It
No Two Rivets Alike
It's a first-world problem—I admit it. With too many airplanes in our little fleet,...
Standalone Engine Monitors
Electronics International is a modern standout, but price an EFIS with built-in monitoring first.
Point Designs
Point designs are the answers to a particular, well-defined problem. They don‘t necessarily answer any other problem.