![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=534&h=462&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")
Tips for Setting Up Shop
Why would a new guy offer advice about how to set up a shop? First of all, I just set up a new shop....
Marking Rivet Locations
Laying out rivet patterns can take a lot of time, especially when the drawings specify distances from a leading edge or other reference mark,...
In Case You Missed It
Will That Be Paint or Powder?
There are two popular options for builders to consider for covering steel components.
Archive: October 1997
A sleek Lancair IV-P was on our October 1997 cover along with the blurb promising an over-gulf trip from Florida to Mexico.