![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")
Dry Tappet Clearance
A flat (standard) tappet disassembled into its various parts. Note that the tappet body (shown on right) cannot be removed without splitting the...
Dimple Tokens
Sooner or later a part will need to be countersunk for a dimple. Fast metal airplanes have tons of them. The problem is...
Torque Plates
Torque plates are installed before any cylinders go on at the Lycoming engine school. Then they are removed one at a time just...
In Case You Missed It
Effect of Propeller RPM on Speed, Efficiency, Noise, and Vibration
Getting better performance from a constant-speed prop.