Jim's new projects

[pequeajim]

Most laser levels, except maybe a Hilti, are really pretty useless outdoors unless its dark out. Just not bright enough nor a sharp enough beam to see it well.

Steve:

Actually, thi sone works pretty good. The success is higher because my area is about 30' x 20' and the laser is advertised for up to 100'. Now we all know that the range is just marketing hype, but it will at least do the 30x20 area that I need to work in. If I am indoors where it is not as bright, the laser has greater range.

Worked ok for me...

 

[pequeajim]

Here is a shot of the attachment that I made that allows me to move the aircraft around that I am building.

 

[pequeajim]

And here's the 425 with the aircraft attached. I'm able to move it in and out of the garage. Another benefit is that the PT can hold down the tail when I run the engine as without the wings on the airplane, the CG is forward and it will tip over with the engine running.

Another cool use for the 425!

 

[pajoube]

And here's the 425 with the aircraft attached. I'm able to move it in and out of the garage. Another benefit is that the PT can hold down the tail when I run the engine as without the wings on the airplane, the CG is forward and it will tip over with the engine running.

Another cool use for the 425!

Nice body work on aircraft. Are the wings completed as yet?
Using the tail wheel to move around with the 425 should pivot on a dime.
PJ

 

[pequeajim]

Yep, I have the wings and tail section complete. This was only the second run up of the engine and it started like a champ!

It took a little getting used to when maneuvering the aircraft around with the 425 because the front end does not swing like you would expect due to the articulated frame. Combine that with pulling and pushing a tail wheel aircraft around and it becomes interesting until you are used to it.

I was afraid that the 2"x4" blocks that I put together would get hung up in the tail post, but it worked out perfect. Of course the PT never had a problem in moving the airplane, even with the engine just above idle.

 

[pequeajim]

I finally have enough money for the stone. It has been ordered and will be delivered in two weeks!

I'll use the 425 to move the pallets.

 

[bjustice]

Jim,
Very nice work, both on the plane and on the garage! I have to ask--why are the wheels mounted differently on the main gear? Maybe I missed that discussion? What kind of plane? In the beginning thought it was a Tailwind.
Bill

 

[pequeajim]

Jim,
Very nice work, both on the plane and on the garage! Bill

Thanks for the comment. My block will be delivered in about two weeks. Each pallet is around 2500-3000 lbs, so too heavy to pick up with my 425 so I will have them drop each along a line with enough space so I can drive my 425 between the pallets and the building if needed.

I have to ask--why are the wheels mounted differently on the main gear? Maybe I missed that discussion? What kind of plane? In the beginning thought it was a Tailwind.
Bill

LoL, no, not a Tailwind, but a Murphy Rebel. Murphy Aircraft Online - Building Your Dream

I had to turn around one of the wheels and fabricate a bracket so that I could fit it in the cargo trailer to bring home when I bought it. I have not bothered to put it back because I may need to use the same trailer to get it to the airport to complete the build.

 

[MossRoad]

I had to turn around one of the wheels and fabricate a bracket so that I could fit it in the cargo trailer to bring home when I bought it. I have not bothered to put it back because I may need to use the same trailer to get it to the airport to complete the build.

Good! I was begining to wonder if you were using surplus parts and they only had two legs of the same side . (Just kidding, nice looking plane).

 

[pequeajim]

Good! I was begining to wonder if you were using surplus parts and they only had two legs of the same side . (Just kidding, nice looking plane).

LoL! Now THAT would make for some serious ground looping!

 

[pequeajim]

THE BLOCK ARRIVED!!!

Finally! Now I need to dig out a little more along the wall on the right and then start to lay in the footer.

I'll use the mini hoe to dig into the hoill more and the LM bucket to move the dirt away.

 

[pequeajim]

I need to lay in some webbing to strengthen the wall, so that means digging out a little more before stacking the blocks. I think I took out another 24" of dirt for plenty of room. Plus, I'm going to put in a drain for run off any water that collects behind the wall.

Jim!

 

[pequeajim]

It's been a while since I have posted. Since then, I have finished and sold my airplane and purchased anohter kit. Married off my son, and started coaching High School baseball.

To say that I have been busy is an understatement! Now that HS baseball season is almost over, I decided that it was a great time to start back on my Pole Barn Workshop project.

It took two weeks, but I decided to dig out a bit more where I am going to put the stone wall and trench so that I can run some conduit for electric out to the shop.

 

[pequeajim]

The trench will carry the 220V electric to the shop from the house.

I was able to dig almost all of this using the mini hoe. I then finished the trench with a hand shovel.

 

[pequeajim]

The trench is 20+ inches deep, and since I was digging backwards, I had to start from each end and move towards the middle.

I widened the trench where needed with a hand shovel.

 

[pequeajim]

Finally, everything exits at the shop wall.

 

[pequeajim]

Here's what the retaining wall stone looks like.

 

[bbabineau]

Here's what the retaining wall stone looks like.

Jim

I will be anxious to see your wall. I need to do one comparable on the side of my barn and you may have some interesting experiences for me to learn.

Bob

 

[pajoube]

Here's what the retaining wall stone looks like.

Very nice job on the trench. Sure makes a project like this fun with a PowerTrac.
PJ

 

[pequeajim]

Yes, Paul, it does save your back a little, (grin)

Bob... I will be sure to post as I put the wall up. I know I will be using the PT and pallet forks to cary a load of blocks back and forth.

Jim!