How difficult is it to build a Dalton or Carden?

[McFueler]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Sukhoi08
	sweet a shopping list,,, i can get all this at lowes too... im starting to think maybe i should make a workshop behind my house. I can see this getting expensive quick. however, it would be something to save for possibly and make happen. im guess ballpark those tools will run 1k. correct? not to mention you can use them for other stuff too.

Where do you live ? if it is not to far from a builder you can go by and check out what or how they are building and you can learn , Carden's are a lot of work but when they are finished you will have a very nice plane . You say you have room so go for it , all you need now is the time ! Like the other builders here have said all you have to do is ask and you will get a lot of help !

[dmcquinn]

The list of tools I posted a couple posts back are NOT REQUIRED, just nice to have. I build my first Carden without them.

[ddlstang]

drill, coping and hand saws, sanding bars short to long, squares, clamps, incidence meter, levels, hand planers, 1ft to 4ft scales, some good knifes, lots of tape and glues. you can build a table and buy all the tools for less than $500. The power tools are nice but not necessary. My first plane I cut the control surfaces out with a band saw but actually found it easier for me to use an exacto knife, just have to measure good.

Dont let anyone discourage you - if you want to then do it - if you find yourself in a bind stop and ask questions, I know Tony is really good to deal with and his was the first kit I built (of any size).

[STLAV8R]

	Quote: Originally Posted by sukhoi26
	I agree with Tony and Walt but my big question is, who's charging 2,200 to 2,500 for a build. I don't know what the other builders are charging but I'm no where close to that amount of money and I've built five Daltons so far this year and three more on the tables now.Rob

How much do you charge? What does it include?

[FENWAYFLYER]

I heard Carden won't sell someone a plane if it is your first build.

[McFueler]

	Quote: Originally Posted by FENWAYFLYER
	I heard Carden won't sell someone a plane if it is your first build.

Not sure if that is true but I'll call Dennis latter today and ask , one thing for sure Dennis is a good source of knowledge and he will talk to you and answer any questions about building that yo could have . Go for it and if you need help just ask !

[FENWAYFLYER]

That's cool. I don't know if it is true or not.

[TeamFlatout]

	Quote: Originally Posted by sukhoi26
	I agree with Tony and Walt but my big question is, who's charging 2,200 to 2,500 for a build. I don't know what the other builders are charging but I'm no where close to that amount of money and I've built five Daltons so far this year and three more on the tables now.Rob

Builds will usually run 2200-2500. A professional builder is going to probably charge 1200 to build the plane and someone to cover is going to charge you between 500-800 and getting someone to paint including paint is probably going to be about 400 with paint. So right there you are right at 2500. Now if you can do all that yourself you'll save yourself a ton of money. And if you arent able to do any of that, you are right at 4k and you havent even started on the electronics, motor, servos etc.... He said he would pay 4k for a Carden ARF. So if he's willing to pay that for an ARF just have Rob build it, and someone else to cover and paint. And there you'll have a Carden ARF.

[whaturi]

I am preparing to build my first big kit; a Carden, this fall\winter. I would never pay 4k for an airframe, and I figure even with the mistakes I may make, the experience is worth more than money can buy. This is just my persoanl stance, and I have always worked with my hands.. I have done finish carpentry for 8 years. I have already read 3 entire build threads, and also have a coiple more experienced guys in my general area in case I need further help.

Now if you don't normally work with your hands or like to, paying a builder may be a viable option. I would personally go for a good used Carden before having one built. At least to start. I have been flying IMAC for 2 years, and Cardens are usually winning more often than not in the higher classes. Besides that, I love the design style they have. I think they are very sharp looking, and still at the top of the class performance-wise.

[McFueler]

I talked to Dennis and he would not recommend that someone that had no building experance at all take on one of these kits without help . But with some help from someone that has done this before you will learn a lot and end up with a nice plane , The#1 thing you need is a good flat building table that can handle a lot of weight without warping (bowing) .