I spent a lot of time setting up my shop. Most of the stuff I have I brought used. Not really a lot of time as far as thought goes but a lot of time finding deals on tools and buying them. I watched the want ads and VAF Forums or any place I could find a deal on tools and stuff to build the plane. Most of the sheet metal tools I already had because that’s how I made a living for years. I did buy some sheet metal tools mostly the tools I didn't want to bring back and forth from work to home. I don't really do sheet metal at work any more but I do consult to that department and sometimes need my tools. For the most part I manage the Overhaul and Repair side of the company.
I spent a weekend making benches. I kind of enjoyed doing them and they turn out pretty good. I followed the EAA Chapter 1000 plans with a little modification to make them a little wider. Two of the four benches came from another builder when I purchased his wings. The Dimplier I got from a very nice man in Las Cruzes N.M. He had a very well build RV-9. I was very impressed with it because he did all the work him self including the very nice paint job. The band saw was my best deal, only paid $40 for that at a rummage sale. One thing I didn't do was paint the walls of the garage. Maybe I'll get to that some day.
