![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")
Modifying Tools
Building an airplane in the mountains has its downside. The nearest tool store is 45 miles away so, as they say, "necessity is the...
Label Those Wires!
A look behind most homebuilt instrument panels will present a maze of electrical wires. Those wires may be neatly bundled or the view might...
Fiberglass Parts Holder
Photo 1. Fiberglass parts sitting on the hangar floor are easily damaged by wind gusts.Photo 1 shows how I used to deal with...
Home Brew Bucking Bars
I've run into situations many times where a bar with a hole for a die would be so handy. It can be used to...
Control Rod Interference
This was discovered on the initial airworthiness inspection on a Kitfox. No pitch control stops were installed, allowing the full-forward movement of the...
In Case You Missed It
The Dawn Patrol
They may not be comfortable, and they don't go fast, but flying a WW-I plane is just plain fun. When you can share the experience with some American heroes, its even better.
