Can we get a master Gyrobee tools list?

[KDOG]

I am wondering what tools I will need to build the bee. I am asking because I am considering the cost of tools/raw materials compared to buying a pre drilled, pre cut kit. Thanks!!

[Doug Riley]

Whether you need to buy tools (more sophisticated than wrenches and screwdrivers) depends on (1) whether you can easily get parts drilled on somebody else's drill press, and (2) how patient you are with hand-cutting and shaping of metal pieces.

I got away with gyro-building without a bandsaw for over 20 years. Just cut with a hand hacksaw outside the scribed line, then spent plenty of time with a hand file, filing up to the line. The drill press (whether begged, bought, borrowed or rented) is an absolute necessity, IMHO. I've never tried to do without THAT, although the one I have is older than I am and not very impressive.

The little bit of welding and machining are easily farmed out. Spray-painting, even at an award-winning level, can be done with hardware-store canned spray paint. A compressor and paint gun are nice, but purely optional.

Get some new, decent drill bits and a countersink tool to use in hand-deburring your holes. Also obtain 1/4" and 3/16" transfer punches (a few dollars from machine-tool suppliers), as well as a regular center punch. A round chainsaw file is nice for filing the typical 1/8" corner radii. Ordinary flat and round files are needed, of course.

[gyroman]

What has saved me from getting carpal tunnel on making the parts is some flapwheels that you put in a hand drill. Makes quick work of sanding the parts.

Just like Doug said it really depends on how much time you have to spend. I actually enjoying creating the parts from scratch, creating a part from just a piece of metal is cool, time-consuming, but cool.

[KDOG]

Hmm good advice. How big a drill press? Also, I have heard you can use a mitre saw with a blade made for aluminum. True? I'll probably end up buying some parts and make others.

[gyroman]

You don't need a very large drill press just some room for the pieces. I would suggest one with a vise or use lots of clamps. Trying to hold it bare handed with the length of some of the pieces just doesnt work. The piece will move and you'll wallow out the holes. Especially if your drilling the mast, this takes some degree of precision since the tolerances are so close, if you happen to score the inside wall you may as well chunk the piece.

I did use a table saw with a blade that cuts aluminum that I bought at walmart for 7 bucks. It cut pretty good...