![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")
Watch Those Sharp Edges
Grommets and bushings provide simple, inexpensive protection from sharp edges of all kinds.
Sometimes neglecting small details can bite us on the backside when...
Cowl Paint Protector Bib
The top photo shows a "bib" I fabricated out of a shower pan liner. I found this material at a home center box store....
Home Shop Machinist
Conrad Norquist shows how the 6061 tubes supplied with Airdrome Aeroplanes kits are easily bent using wood templatesMechanics from aviation's golden age did...
In Case You Missed It
Maintenance Matters
In Part 2 of his discussion, Steve Ells delves into more detail about patching, repairing or replacing aircraft aluminum.
What’s New
An Aussie Outback SLSA debuts in the U.S., a floating battery eliminator works with the Lightspeed Zulu headset, and Trio Avionics introduces the Pro Pilot autopilot.