Chapter Tools

Our chapter has various tools in our storage unit at GTU, including an engine hoist, aircraft scales, metal brake, metal shear, bandsaw, and many others. We can loan out tools to our paid members.

In addition, you will need to provide a deposit. Deposit is cash or checks only, and is $30 per tool unless otherwise noted. Tools are free to use, unless otherwise noted.

Please check with Gary Hamilton to arrange pickup. See roster.

Tools available [updated 10/9/24]:

2 Hole Saws

Bill Elliott donated 2 bimetal hole saws to our chapter tool crib.

I used these to drill 2 1/4" and 3 1/8" instrument holes in a plywood panel when I built my Challenger II years ago. One can use them on an aluminum panel if needed. Clamp the workpiece on a piece of plywood on your workbench first. Carefully mark the center point, pre-drill it at the same size as the drill bit on the hole saw, and use lubricant like WD-40 or light oil, even beeswax. Drill very slowly and use lots of oil to cool and lubricate. Don't rock the hole saw or you'll wallow the hole out of shape. Better practice on a piece of scrap first. The resulting hole needs deburring.

Most builders prefer using a Greenlee Punch, specially made for the job. This YouTube video from Kit Planes shows how to use it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qfo2OgQRo

This hole punch is pricey, $178 from Aircraft Spruce (see Instrument Hole Punch - ATS-123C).

Bandsaw

This monster has no instructions, but it has several types of saw blades and is ready to use. Don't get your fingers in the blade!!

Metal brake, 48" wide and Metal Shear, 30.5" wide

This 48" metal brake is sitting on top of the metal shear, which accepts sheet up to 30.5" wide and is operated by a foot treadle. The brake should be anchored to your work bench so it has a solid connection. The brake is activated with two handles, which can be unscrewed for storage. [The old metal brake was bad and was retired in 2020.]