![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")
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: ScaleWings]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UA3_002-scaled-2.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Big Prop Boosts Scalewings SW-51 Mustang")
The Home Machinist
This month Home Machinist Bob Fritz answers readers letters and passes along some of their better ideas.
Build It Better: Where’s Your Margin?
How can you give yourself that margin of safety that you hope you'll never need?
Firewall Forward: The Oil Change
Let's get started with the KITPLANES Firewall Forward video series, sponsored by the Tempest...