High Altitude Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Hi everyone, I am starting to research planes to build and I keep coming back to the Cozy MKIV. I was originally content with a 2 place but the Cozy seems like a great, high value build. I also like the thought of plans building, spreading out the money on the project etc...... I am intrigued with the composite construction but I am not so sure it will work out for me. I am planning on starting the build in my garage. My issue is that I live at 8,000 ft in the foothills/mountains west of Denver. Needless to say winters/cold can be pretty long. Even when early season warmer temps are a nice 65 deg during the day it can get close to freezing at night. What do you guys think? Is the only really sensible solution to heat the entire garage$$$$$$ For builders that live in colder parts of the US how do you deal with it when building with epoxy? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bferrell Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 I got a 120v heater from Lowes that does/did OK for me, but I insulated my garage, and it probably doesn't get nearly as cold here in Ohio. Brett Quote --- Brett Ferrell Velocity XL/FG Cincinnati, OH http://www.velocityxl.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMann Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Buy two twin-size electric blankets from Walmart. Throw them over the part that is curing along with some poly or a rigid foam box and that should get you through most of it without having to maintain the temperature of your shop for hours on end. Quote T Mann - Loooong-EZ/20B Infinity R/G Chpts 18 Velocity/RG N951TM Mann's Airplane Factory We add rocket's to everything! 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 9, 10, 14, 19, 20 Done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Steve Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 It still has not gotten warm enough in my shop to do epoxy work. So I still am burning wood in the stove to get it over 80. I do most of my building in the winter when it is to cold to do anything else. Insulate your building really well and fork over the money for what ever heat you are comfortable with. Start building and after lots of hours and money you will have a plane. STeve build on Quote Steve Harmon Lovin Life in Idaho Cozy IV Plans #1466 N232CZ http://websites.expercraft.com/bigsteve/ Working on Chapter 19,21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Altitude Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 After reading some building websites I have noticed that some builders cover the material/layup and put heaters or lights inside the cover etc... What is the mimimum temperature needed to do the layup initially if you use a warm box to store the epoxy and then cover the layup after with a heater? I have started to read the news letters and the more I read the more I am convinced at what a great design the Cozy MKIV is with great documentation and building support. The garage is already insulated and all utilities are easy to get to. I just might have to get a heater and have at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longezdave Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 What is the mimimum temperature needed to do the layup initially if you use a warm box to store the epoxy and then cover the layup after with a heater? Beyond just warming the epoxy before and the layup after, it is important to have the layup warm while you are wetting out the cloth and using the squeegee. You can use a hair dryer or heat gun to help during these phases, but it's best to have a warm shop. The garage is already insulated and all utilities are easy to get to. I just might have to get a heater and have at it. That's the direction to go - warm shop. As a rule, the warmer the shop, the lighter the aircraft. Quote Dave Adams Long EZ N83DT Race 83 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickh Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 I am planning on starting the build in my garage. My issue is that I live at 8,000 ft in the foothills/mountains west of Denver. Needless to say winters/cold canI think we should hook up, I'm a few miles SSE of Estes Park. I have a wood heater in my shop (aka basement) that I fire up for layups. generally the basement stays at 55 if I don't heat it. Cool down takes in the neighborhood of 24-36 hours. By then the epoxy is fairly well cured. If not, I have a drink before retiring, then toss another log on when I get up to pee at oh-dark-thirty. Not ideal, but it works for me. YMMV. Couple of builders at KLMO I could put you in touch with, holler. Rick Quote Rick Hall; MK-IV plans #1477; cozy.zggtr.org Build status: 1-7, bits of 8-9, 10, 14 done! Working on engine/prop/avionics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Altitude Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 Rick, If I decide to pull the trigger I will post/message. Sean I think we should hook up, I'm a few miles SSE of Estes Park. I have a wood heater in my shop (aka basement) that I fire up for layups. generally the basement stays at 55 if I don't heat it. Cool down takes in the neighborhood of 24-36 hours. By then the epoxy is fairly well cured. If not, I have a drink before retiring, then toss another log on when I get up to pee at oh-dark-thirty. Not ideal, but it works for me. YMMV. Couple of builders at KLMO I could put you in touch with, holler. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickh Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Rick, If I decide to pull the trigger I will post/message. Sean I'll be here. Email me from my profile or website. I'd thought about a tandem also (I have no waife or kyds), the Cozy won out with it's huge trunk. Disadvantages, she needs long paved runways. And time to build her Rick Quote Rick Hall; MK-IV plans #1477; cozy.zggtr.org Build status: 1-7, bits of 8-9, 10, 14 done! Working on engine/prop/avionics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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