Search found 40 matches

by Clay Hammond
Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Gussets
Replies: 2
Views: 463

Re: Gussets

Look at any wood wing built in the 20's. Waco, Travel Air, Spartan, Laird, Ryan, Great Lakes...etc. Your answer will be apparent.
by Clay Hammond
Sun Jul 02, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Straight and Level
Replies: 9
Views: 838

Re: Straight and Level

My bet is on DA. Only other thing I would think of is heat and moisture in warmer season moving things around in your airframe. How are all your wires?
by Clay Hammond
Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Is exterior of floor covered or painted
Replies: 8
Views: 1069

Re: Is exterior of floor covered or painted

It means it is up to you. I doubt the originals had a stringer down the center of the belly. And I'd say a fair percentage would have been covered the entire length. Just know that adhering the fabric to the plywood belly will pickup any undulations in the wood. And close quarters between the wood a...
by Clay Hammond
Tue Apr 12, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: bench vise jaw protection
Replies: 4
Views: 1316

Re: bench vise jaw protection

Was just in Lakeland last week for SnF and bought a set of these at the pop-up tool seller there at the show:

https://sastool.com/vise-jaw-pads-mpp.html

They are slick because they have magnets imbedded to hold them to the vise. Easily craftable at home DIY as well.
by Clay Hammond
Thu Jun 17, 2021 9:17 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: ELSA (E- L-SA) Registration
Replies: 14
Views: 5220

Re: ELSA (E- L-SA) Registration

You can not certify an amateur built experimental in the US as E-LSA. Its not available to homebuilders, ONLY to factory built S-LSA certified aircraft whose owners wish to move them into the E-LSA category for modification and maintenance considerations. ALL homebuilts are E-AB. That is their natur...
by Clay Hammond
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:01 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: ELSA (E- L-SA) Registration
Replies: 14
Views: 5220

Re: ELSA (E- L-SA) Registration

Any E-AB built aircraft can be operated by an LSA pilot if it meets the criteria for an LSA aircraft in terms of gross weight, number of occupants, speeds and horsepower. This is just like any LSA pilot can operate a standard category aircraft as well if it meets those same criteria...i.e. J3 Cub or...
by Clay Hammond
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:52 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Opinions sought: on 103 build (SS or AC)
Replies: 9
Views: 3869

Re: Opinions sought: on 103 build (SS or AC)

Yes. It will absolutely be more of a pain in the ass. The flop was incorporated to make it less of a pain in the ass, no doubt after it had showed itself to be a pain in the ass to BHP. The airplane is very much already a distillation of good airplane design within a certain style...i.e. golden age ...
by Clay Hammond
Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:42 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: bungee cord question for jenny style gear
Replies: 6
Views: 3650

Re: bungee cord question for jenny style gear

Where are you located?
by Clay Hammond
Fri Jun 05, 2020 9:17 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP
Replies: 27
Views: 14518

Re: N34KP

Tow hook re-purposed as a releasable tail holder-downer.

If you are storing paint long term for touch-up down the road flip the can every few months.

Paint in the can often won't match up anyway because of UV degradation in the paint that's on the plane.
by Clay Hammond
Fri May 22, 2020 9:08 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Varnish Fix
Replies: 1
Views: 2686

Re: Varnish Fix

First coat? If so you've raised the grain. Knock it down and coat again, I bet it will be smooth after that. Doesn't have to be sprayed necessarily...whatever you are comfortable with or prefer. You simply want to make sure all the wood is adequately sealed and that there are no spots so rough that ...
by Clay Hammond
Wed Apr 15, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Still new and nuts on nuts
Replies: 6
Views: 4755

Re: Still new and nuts on nuts

Don't use photos of antiques or original fabric as a guide for inspection holes in modern day covering systems. Way way back the cotton covering wasn't expected to last...fungus, mold, UV and weather all took a harder toll on cotton than they do on synthetic coverings nowadays. That and not everyone...
by Clay Hammond
Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:40 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Aircampers in New England?
Replies: 3
Views: 3318

Re: Aircampers in New England?

The one at Old Rhinebeck is disassembled and fuselage uncovered, but its in the shop getting worked on. You could see it up close and personal. ORA is located in Rhinebeck/Red Hook, NY. Take 90 west. Just inside NY border take Taconic Parkway south. Once you are in Dutchess County take Route 199 wes...
by Clay Hammond
Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:43 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Old Rhinebeck Flivvers Weekend
Replies: 0
Views: 4734

Old Rhinebeck Flivvers Weekend

Hi All, Old Rhinebeck wishes to host any flying flivvers of the Golden Age era on the weekend of September 21st. Late notice and I apologize, but if you are east coast and would like to visit the museum we would love to have you! Camping with your plane is allowed and encouraged. Or hotels are abund...
by Clay Hammond
Mon Sep 02, 2019 10:44 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Steam Bending Longerons
Replies: 4
Views: 4280

Re: Steam Bending Longerons

Tangential to your question, but great way to steam bend here from 3:15 mark onward:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JFePos8RQQ
by Clay Hammond
Sun Jun 16, 2019 9:39 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: New here, with question
Replies: 10
Views: 8410

Re: New here, with question

Terry is correct. Thank you. And to that end, with the right A&P you can do a majority if not all of your Conditional too...with him looking over your shoulder/checking in on you as you do it.
by Clay Hammond
Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:44 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: New here, with question
Replies: 10
Views: 8410

Re: New here, with question

If you buy an EXP aircraft, and then drop it in an A&P's lap...you are asking for trouble. If you can't do the maintenance yourself due to regs or qualifications, then have the A&P you want to do your sign offs help you with identifying, inspecting, and purchasing the aircraft. You will save...
by Clay Hammond
Fri Jun 14, 2019 9:37 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: New here, with question
Replies: 10
Views: 8410

Re: New here, with question

Worth looking at. Seek out a licensed A&P local to you who is familiar with vintage aircraft, with emphasis on wood structures. Engine can be replaced with something more traditional/known if needed. As a subsequent owner of an Experimental Amateur Built Aircraft you will not be able to perform ...
by Clay Hammond
Sun Mar 31, 2019 5:07 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Beg,Borrow or Steal or even purchase a good Rib Jig?
Replies: 15
Views: 10236

Re: Beg,Borrow or Steal or even purchase a good Rib Jig?

If you safely save weight everywhere like you save weight by losing the staples, then you will have an overall lighter weight airframe. Its a culture more than a single point result... and it leads to the lightest, best performing plane possible. Leo Loudenslager would measure how much screw was pok...
by Clay Hammond
Sat Jan 12, 2019 11:21 am
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Warm in January
Replies: 5
Views: 6131

Re: Warm in January

Hi Richard,

Won't make it to Brodhead. I'm always stuck here at ORA flying the airshows. A picture of the cluster head-on would be really great if you could swing it! Thanks!
by Clay Hammond
Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:27 am
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Warm in January
Replies: 5
Views: 6131

Re: Warm in January

Hi Richard,

Tell us more about the combination instrument there in your pic.
by Clay Hammond
Tue Nov 06, 2018 7:41 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glue and varnish
Replies: 20
Views: 12391

Re: Glue and varnish

Resorcinol and two-part epoxy. Technically Resorcinol is the only approved glue for repair on standard category wood structures. Many though read the regs to allow two part epoxy for repair also based on later produced documentation. Manufacturers who are building and certifying the aircraft on a pr...
by Clay Hammond
Tue Nov 06, 2018 4:13 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glue and varnish
Replies: 20
Views: 12391

Re: Glue and varnish

Me neither. Do whats best for you.
by Clay Hammond
Tue Nov 06, 2018 10:16 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glue and varnish
Replies: 20
Views: 12391

Re: Glue and varnish

I think it's two part. The body of knowledge is greatly improved today versus '29. Casein did/does have the possibility of letting go in places if the airplane is poorly stored and/or overall ambient climate is wet. Will Titebond 3 perform better? Who's to say. You'd have to run your own tests. Hot,...
by Clay Hammond
Mon Nov 05, 2018 12:28 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Glue and varnish
Replies: 20
Views: 12391

Re: Glue and varnish

Won't speak to the glue. That's a very personal decision. Are you carrying pax? Which glue should you trust their life too...your considerations should come second to theirs. Poly-Tak will absolutely attack the spar varnish and inhibit adhesion. The two-part epoxy varnish from Poly-Fiber is the best...
by Clay Hammond
Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:44 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Covering the turtle deck
Replies: 4
Views: 4049

Re: Covering the turtle deck

Don't glue to each stringer, only the surround (although I'd say after glueing a stringer tape or applying your first seal coat to the fabric it will probably attach itself anyway. Adding the protective tape will add weight (albeit miniscule). Simply round over the edges of the stringers, I've seen ...
by Clay Hammond
Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:31 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Pilot requirements
Replies: 6
Views: 6409

Re: Pilot requirements

Are you an EAA member? If so ask around your local chapter. If not consider joining one to get your foot in the door at the airport. Central FL has lots of flight school options, all within a stone's throw. Some are high dollar puppy mills for the airlines, other's will be one instructor and his air...
by Clay Hammond
Mon Jan 01, 2018 5:48 pm
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Sky Scout Historical Photos.
Replies: 8
Views: 10555

Re: Sky Scout Historical Photos.

I believe it was a Chevy Vega engine. Forrest Lovely built it.
by Clay Hammond
Tue Oct 03, 2017 10:29 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: replacing bungees (need advice)
Replies: 11
Views: 8401

Re: replacing bungees (need advice)

Agree need two sets of hands to make it go easy. We wrap bungees here at the Aerodrome by hand all the time...you just need a helper to assist.
by Clay Hammond
Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:42 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: replacing bungees (need advice)
Replies: 11
Views: 8401

Re: replacing bungees (need advice)

Use an engine hoist. http://www.supercub.org/forum/showthread.php?46390-Bungee-replacement-how-I-did Everyone has an engine hoist available to them with just a little asking somewhere within a half mile of any hangar. If a little common sense is used, with a healthy respect for stored energy and pro...
by Clay Hammond
Tue Aug 29, 2017 2:55 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Old Rhinebeck Flivver Fly-In
Replies: 0
Views: 5529

Old Rhinebeck Flivver Fly-In

Pietenpols and other Flivvers, of all varieties, are invited to descend upon ORA for a weekend of fellowship, fun, and old time airshows. This Saturday and Sunday are the dates, 9/2 & 9/3, but arrive whenever you wish and stay as long as you need. The Low & Slow life often predicates this an...
by Clay Hammond
Sat Mar 18, 2017 9:19 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Downsizing the Piet
Replies: 3
Views: 4192

Downsizing the Piet

Anyone looked at building the Piet smaller? Here's a nice one...they even copied Dan Helsper's paint job:

http://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/hpa ... ic=21315.0
by Clay Hammond
Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Ramblings of an idiot
Replies: 5
Views: 5025

Re: Ramblings of an idiot

Keep working the prop angle. I think that will be your key. That little engine has the power, it just needs to be unlocked with the right airscrew.
by Clay Hammond
Thu Mar 09, 2017 8:49 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: 2017 Piet Fly-In @ ORA/East Coast
Replies: 0
Views: 5811

2017 Piet Fly-In @ ORA/East Coast

Hi all. I wanted to post details on the 2017 Fly-in at Old Rhinebeck: Renewed Annual ORA Pietenpol & Flivver Fly-In September 2nd & 3rd Pietenpols and other Flivvers, of all varieties, are invited to descend upon ORA for a weekend of fellowship, fun, and old time airshows. Saturday and Sunda...
by Clay Hammond
Thu Mar 09, 2017 8:40 am
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: NX22VY Photos
Replies: 1
Views: 4855

Re: NX22VY Photos

Thats a darn good looking plane!
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 7:57 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Pietenpol Project
Replies: 4
Views: 5786

Re: Pietenpol Project

Looks great Rob. Bulbous tires do so much for the "look". Sets it up nice.

I've watched that MNF project on your web page for a long time. Is it parked for now or are you still working on it. Would be a neat one to see fly!
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 3:16 pm
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Sky Scout Historical Photos.
Replies: 8
Views: 10555

Re: Sky Scout Historical Photos.

just a few more. Please feel free to add to it.
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 12:48 pm
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Air Camper Historical Photos
Replies: 2
Views: 5804

Re: Air Camper Historical Photos

a few more
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 12:05 pm
Forum: Old Forum Archive
Topic:
Replies: -1
Views:

Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: A real message!

<t>Steve,Here is a shot at a reply.I have incorporated a number of moter-sickle chain master links in my ship inleiu of shackles. The ones I have used are a 420. If I remember correctly,they are rated at 4200 lbs per the moter-sickle people's books. In otherwords they are much stronger than shackles...
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 12:05 pm
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Air Camper Historical Photos
Replies: 2
Views: 5804

Air Camper Historical Photos

For inspiration and reference.
by Clay Hammond
Thu Feb 23, 2017 11:57 am
Forum: Photo Section
Topic: Sky Scout Historical Photos.
Replies: 8
Views: 10555

Sky Scout Historical Photos.

I thought an album of vintage photos would be good for inspiration.