![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")
Denso Alternator Homemade Adaptation
Swapping a Denso alternator into a Lycoming engine? Here’s how one builder tackled pulley design for optimal reliability.
Modifying a Pitot Mast
Drilling a Piper pitot mast for heat proves trickier than expected—alignment is critical to avoid ruining the part.
(Almost) Wordless Workshop
Project steps rarely go in order. These illustrated tips might save you time—and frustration—when things don’t go as planned.
Check the Sump Screen
It is important to check the oil sump screen for contaminants at least once per year.
Fixing Axle Fooly
Flat tires seem to come in clusters. You can go years without getting one, then for some reason, “boom” (actually, more like “psssss”), more flats in a month than a year or years.
Best of Both Worlds
Can we convert a certified aircraft into an Experimental so we can get the freedoms we really want?
Wire You Surprised?
There are three basic methods of marking your wires so that 10 years from now you’ll be able to go back and track down trouble.
IV Tube for Crankcase Ventilation
Recently, my neighbor Ed needed a part to upgrade the installation of his crankcase breather/oil separator kit.
A Baker’s Dozen
Vic shares his decision process for both choosing another RV-10 as well as choosing some of the “upgrades.”
In Case You Missed It
Variable Geometry Cooling System
The way to reduce or eliminate excess cooling drag in cruise is to use a variable-geometry cooling system that can change shape to control the amount of air flowing through the cowling.
The Proof Is in the Putting
Putting it on the hangar roof and wiring it to the airplane, that is....
The Dawn Patrol
Dick and Sharon Starks mix it up with the “big boys” and draw their own crowd at Oshkosh AirVenture 2011.
Letters: September 2019
Building and Selling
Two articles in the June edition really hit home for me: “How...