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Larry Winger's 601XL Project
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Date: 1-13-2007
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Number of Hours: 0.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Why scratch build...why not scratch build
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For me, I really enjoy scratch building for two reasons: the savings and the satisfaction. The savings should be obvious, but the actual materials to build all the ribs in this photo cost $17.36. Even if you double it for waste, your materials are well under $40. To buy the parts from ZAC would cost you $187.92 (plus shipping). Your total bill would be over $200 for something I was able to build in a Saturday for under $40. Of course that doesn't address the satisfaction quotient, which is extremely high when you do it yourself. Now for the "why not build" part. If you don't enjoy spending long hours in an unheated garage, on your feet, getting dusty or covered with metal shavings, then scratch building is no bargain. You'll probably enjoy the simplicity of writing a check and looking for your delivery on the front porch. Add to that the time involved in acquiring tools, setting up your shop, and driving hither and yon for materials and it is easy to make a case that scratch building is too much work.
For me, the equation was simple and I'm glad to be a part of the fraternity of scratch builders. One is not better than the other, just different. The decision is yours, and ultimately you have to be convinced that your path will lead you to a safe and functional flying aircraft.
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$187 in ribs
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All from this and a few square feet of aluminum
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