"Randy" wrote in message
ups.com...
I'm very new to all this; isn't the spar on a Wittman Tailwind or
Buttercup a solid piece of spruce with dimensions being something like

I think you are right on, with the exception of composite construction being
aircraft building for dummies. Composite projects greatly reduce the
dependance on skills like fabric covering, welding and fabrication - but
they don't usually completely eliminate them. And doing good glass work
requires a good bit practice as well.

But welding seems to be the one skill that some folks never get comfortable
with. In most every case, woodwork, fabric, sheet metal, composite and even
machine work, can be accomplished by someone with less experience, by
simply slowing down and being real methodical. But you can only weld so
slow.

But what the heck. Look around and decide what you would like to build. If
you decide on something that requires welding, make learing to weld job one.
Buy the welding equipment you intend to use and try to get comfortable with
it, before you commit to the cost of a kit or plans. Then if you don't think
you trust your welding, consider just tacking everything and hiring a
professional to weld things up - or just select a kit that doesn't require
it.