Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post Reply
User avatar
scubarider2
Topic Moderator
Posts: 1085
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:03 pm
Location: Cleveland, GA

Re: Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post by scubarider2 »

Coming your way with new posts!
You owe me a ride Richard....SOON! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Dennis
Live as though you were going to die tomorrow, learn as though you were going to live forever...
User avatar
SheepdogRD
Proprietor
Posts: 930
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 5:41 pm
Location: West of Atlanta, GA

Re: Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post by SheepdogRD »

Some explanation of Dennis's post, above: I asked him to change the name of the thread from "New Highlander Build" to "Sheepdog's Highlander Build", because, at 3 years old, it isn't exactly "New" any more. And I threatened to bribe him with a ride. Looks like we both win. :wink:
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation

If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
moving2time
Veteran Member
Posts: 243
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:42 pm

Re: Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post by moving2time »

If you subscribe to the Carbon Cub philosophy, "Count the grams and save pounds," which I think is a good idea, every gram should be evaluated. That said I personally carry an hour's worth of fuel around everywhere I go so I could count every gram I put into a build and never save as much as I could by dieting! When I get to building my Highlander I would improve the door seals in a heart beat. Still an impressive post. Now about that build manual! Can I reserve my copy? Joe B
User avatar
SuperFly
Veteran Member
Posts: 249
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:20 pm
Location: Flanagan, IL
Contact:

Re: Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post by SuperFly »

I agree with Jak. Painting a fuselage is tough. And tedious. And you'll use way more paint than you think. (most of it going into over spray) Did you know a round tube has six to eight sides. you cant cover it in four passes. Wont happen. Unless there is some super secret trick I was not able to locate. In order to cover the tube evenly and make it look nice, it will take that many passes up and down the tube.
I had my fuse powder coated, then when I welded on the SS gear, I had to epoxy primer the areas I welded on. Then I wanted it black where it would be seen. and just as Jak said, you wont believe how many spots you or others will find that you missed. It is astounding. And frustrating.
If you are looking for a serious alternative, I know there is some type of electrostatic liquid paint process where by a charge is applied to the metal and the opposite charge is applied to the paint and then spray.(much like powder coat is applied) That would cut down on overspray, but I know next to nothing of the process or even what paints are compatible. It may not even be and option.
In addition to what people have posted on here, another thing that I found incredibly frustrating about painting my fuselage is how uneven it came out. The problem is that as you are spraying, you get a good finish on one tube, then as you move around, the over spray from another tube gets onto the previously very nice finish and makes it look bad. and this happens nearly every time you pull the trigger.

I cant give you the best option, but I can tell you, I personally would certainly avoid painting the fuse if I were able on future projects...
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
User avatar
SheepdogRD
Proprietor
Posts: 930
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 5:41 pm
Location: West of Atlanta, GA

Re: Sheepdog's Highlander Build-Yep New Posts :)

Post by SheepdogRD »

SuperFly wrote:I agree with Jak. Painting a fuselage is tough... I personally would certainly avoid painting the fuse if I were able on future projects...
We followed the advice we got on the Forum and had the fuselage powder coated. I've never been sorry. We had it done in black instead of the then-standard white, but today I'd choose the standard gray color. I've never found a flaw in the coating, and I've seen most parts up very close. i don't see any way we could have matched the factory powder coat quality with anything we could do ourselves. Our local powder coat facility, which has done a good deal of work for us, wouldn't have been cheaper. Powder coating was a good investment, and there was no work involved.
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation

If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
Post Reply

Return to “Sheepdog's Highlander Build”