How and where to get your materials…for up to 50% off?

In this economy its more important than ever for people to be able to find materials inexpensively, and hopefully locally. Well, it is not only possible, but it has never been easier than now. The fact is, most people building homebuilt airplanes have no idea that they can get some of the exact same materials that expensive aircraft supply stores sell, right in their backyard! Read on to find out how to get them, and at a great discount.

When you order from a mainstream aircraft materials supplier, usually you pay retail price, as well as having to pay freight to ship it to you, because they are not located in your town. A lot of times with long lengths, you have to ship the materials by truck freight, which adds to the cost.

With a little bit of digging, using the internet, you can find the same materials for a lot less, and in your own hometown.  Today, nearly every city has places where they sell aluminum stock to the public, right from the factory, so to speak. Plus, now there are many metals suppliers that supply all kinds of metals and have stores that are open to the public, such as Metal Supermarkets.

All you have to do is use your favorite search engine under metals supplier then your city. As an example, all of the aluminum for the wings was purchased locally, and as the tubing only came in 24’ long pieces, we cut them in half with a battery powered hacksaw then took them home in the truck.

One trick for protecting your tubing for transport: Stores like Wal-Mart sell these foam pool noodles for a few bucks, you can slice one side with a razor knife, and then use these around your aluminum tubes, secured with bungees or duct tape. It works great!

All of the tubing for both wings was obtained in this manner, and only cost a third of what it normally would. It’s worth the effort in $$$ to see if you can find your materials locally. Give it a try!

So use your resources, have a great time with it, and Happy Flying!