![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")
Dissolving Foam
Last winter, with a storm howling and rattling the hangar doors, I decided to make an intake duct for our Tundra project. The male...
Counterbores
Counterbore sets (front left, and back) typically cover a basic range of sizes for standard socket head screws and bolts. Counterbores with interchangeable...
Right-Angle Deburring Tool
Most of us have a threaded drill kit. Mine has an assortment of common bits like #40, 1/8 inch, etc. It also has a...
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
Heat and avionics don't get along all that well. Rather than installing a fan that runs all the time, Jim Weir suggests building and using a fan that runs only when you need it.
Build It Better: The Choices We Make
Paul Dye debuts his new series on the myriad considerations that go into building and flying Experimental aircraft.
Ask the DAR
What do you need to do when you buy an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? What should a builder/owner do when they're ramp checked?