What’s the Deal With AN Hardware?
As a new kit builder, you may have wondered about that gold-colored AN hardware that must be used. What’s so special about this grade...
Metal Magic: Learning To Love the Step Drill
KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye explains the best times to use the so-called step drill (also called a UniBit) for drilling larger holes...
Metal Magic: Making Square Instrument Holes In Aluminum
You've built most of your airplane, now it's time for cutting the instrument panel blank. KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye shows you how...
Worn Out Manifold Hose
Almost all rubber hoses have a shelf life. Most are around eight years. The symptoms were fluctuating manifold pressure readings, and the hose completely...
Metal Magic: Cutting Round Instrument Holes
KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye continues the Metal Magic series with a tutorial on how to cut round holes in aluminum, mainly for...
ELT Enlightenment
I had another subject’s full column in hand for this issue, but when I get half a dozen questions in the space of a...
How the Bead Goes On
Welded assemblies (also known as weldments) can be found on just about every airplane. Even my Jabiru, which is 99% fiberglass, has a tubular-steel...
Metal Magic: Using Reamers For Accurate Holes
Sometimes a drill bit just won't do. When you want accurate, perfectly round holes in aluminum, you need to use a reamer. KITPLANES editor...
Loose Intake Pipe
Sometimes the intake pipes on Lycoming engines can come loose. This will cause an intake leak, usually indicated by a rough idle and higher...