Tools to build

[STGove]

The DeWalt is the one I'm planning for as i have other DeWalt tools, and the battery and charger already.

I bought my Stanley ProSet XT 2 used also, had to change an O ring, but otherwise it is working.

[McCreary637]

I’ll be starting my HW in a couple of weeks at Midwest Skysports. I realize they have tools, but I was wondering if there are any tools of my own that I should bring. For example, should I buy my own rivet gun in case another builder is using the shop’s gun?

Maybe this is not necessary, but I want to make the most of my time while I’m up there.

[ibgarrett]

Midwest should have ample tools on site. I once spoke with Henry and he had 8 Slings under construction at that moment. There's no way they were only working with one set of tools. Plus, you're paying for his service. I'd be surprised if that wasn't part of the operation.

Definitely something to pay attention to while you're building is what tools you may need post-completion of the build to keep with you in the plane and/or in your hangar. You won't need a rivet gun unless you're doing major repairs, but you'll need sockets, wrenches, allen/torx tools. The way I think about it is "what would I do if I had to put down in a remote airstrip and do a field repair - what would I need? I actually ran into that during my phase testing where I needed a 17mm wrench. Thankfully the shop on the field was open that day and let me borrow a couple of tools. It was after that flight I assembled my tool bag that stays on the plane.

Oh - and congrats on getting the build started! You're going to have a blast!

[Poobah]

I’ll be starting my HW in a couple of weeks at Midwest Skysports. I realize they have tools, but I was wondering if there are any tools of my own that I should bring. For example, should I buy my own rivet gun in case another builder is using the shop’s gun?

Maybe this is not necessary, but I want to make the most of my time while I’m up there.

They have their own tools onsite. You'll only make things confusing by bringing your own tools.

Ask me how I know...

[McCreary637]

Thanks for the reply.

How was your experience at Midwest? How long did it take?

I completed my first week which went well. They are super organized and I appreciate their oversight.

However, they can’t seem to provide any sort of timeline beyond “it depends”. I can’t even schedule my next trip back.

[Poobah]

I'm not the best person to talk about timeline - my build started elsewhere and then got finished at MSS.

Yes scheduling is not their strong suit - you'll definitely need to be proactive with your communication.

But they will do what they say they will and have the expertise you need/want.

[McCreary637]

Thanks for the follow up.

I definitely like the experience of being there. I just don’t want it to be a month between visits. And I REALLY want to be flying next summer. I’ve already waited over 3 years since my initial deposit. When the kit arrived this summer I was optimistic that I’d be flying summer of 2026, but I’m losing that optimism.

[Poobah]

It's pretty simple math. They put out about one plane every six weeks. So count how many planes are ahead of you, multiply by six, and that's probably the most accurate time estimate you're gonna get.

If you are having the onsite painter do work for you, I recommend establishing a relationship with him. He usually has a pretty good idea of what the queue looks like.

[McCreary637]

I just got a reply from them estimating 11 months before ready to fly.