Jessen RV-10 Builder's Log
Keep It Simple; Keep It Safe
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Most builders start out having a workshop, I suppose, although I frequently see posts about yet another builder having to finish his/her workshop before starting the kit.  There's not much to say about storage, other than buy or make as much as you can.  Don't start the plane before you get the parts located and put away.  Wasn't it Einstein or Steve Martin who said, "A better universe is one with every little thing in its place.  Makes it easer to do the math." 

Here are the typical HD bins that I finally caved in and bought.  Actually the gray ones are from Sears.  Same brand, however.  They are inexpensive and get you up and going fast.  You can make or buy fancier ones after the project is over. 

Two thoughts about storage.  One is to get something that you can move from the main bench to the worktable.  I bought the two dark red bins you see to the bottom right.  They hold common rivets.  One bin holds AN470s and the other AN426s.  The lids are spring loaded so you are saved from spilling rivets all over the shop.  You can get these at the normal tool supply shops, such as Avery's.

The second is the labeler.  Brother makes several that are basic and good enough.  Get a labeler if at all possible.  Make a decision as to how you are going to label.  Are you going to do it by the bag or by the part?  I have chosen to label by the part when at all practicable.  I hate the bag system. 

Storage for the big parts that can be had relatively cheaply and, more important, quickly, are these plastic shelves from HD. They go together in a snap and hold quite a lot of weight. The only problem are the spaces in the honeycomb, which can cause smaller items to not sit properly or to fall through.  You solve this easily by cutting some cardboard to fit the shelf.  Cheap and easy.

You should also buy a bunch of, in this case, Rubbermaid plastic containers. Get 10 small ones, 10 medium ones, and at least 3 to 4 of the bigger ones you see sitting on the far right shelf. The entire wings inventory fits into that big Rubbermaid container, except for the large parts, obviously. The skins for the wings and fuselage are up on the top, with parts for the ribs and elevators on the next two shelves down.  You'll use that big plastic bin for more than just storage.  Washing parts comes to mind.  I use the big one to bathe parts in Alumiprep or its equivalent. 

04/16/2005  -  Assembled shelves purchased from Home Depot. 

The other primary storage is for your main set of tools, both large and small.  For this you can't beat the standard tool chests and carts.  If at all possible, invest in a roll around cart.  I've saved time and effort by having the cart near the project.  Look for sales at Sears or on eBay, but find one.  The ones I have are from Sears.  They have the locking handles that prevent the heavily weighted doors from opening when zooming the cart around the worktables.

For larger items, the bench shelves come in very handy.  I've designed, but haven't yet built a shelf system that fits right next to the big worktable.  I'll post the plans when I get it finished.     

 

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