To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 10:24:51 -0600
Subject: Getting started -- another hint using vacuum unit etc
Message-ID: <19990309.102455.21790.0.Earl_Schroeder@juno.com>
From: Earl E Schroeder <earl_schroeder@juno.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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In addition to moving the vacuum unit 'outside' (to reduce noise and dust
etc), I added a remote operated relay to power the vacuum unit and ran
the low voltage wiring along the vacuum hose.  With a small switch at the
nozzle end, I could turn the unit on/off when needed and consider this
one of the most useful ideas in the ten plus building years of my
235/320.  Prior to this I would not use the vacuum one half the time when
I should have.  It really comes in handy when sanding primer also.

I also built a lab-type hood with a small squirrel-cage fan to exhaust
the expoy fumes to the outside to use while mixing the stuff.  I found
that most of the 'bad' vapor came off while mixing and especially from
the hardner.  Also, I have 30 years of experience using mecl2 (methyline
chorlide) in the Lexan plastic manufacturing industry.  We called it the
'safety solvent' in the early years and routinely washed our hands in it
to remove the Lexan resin.  I suppose some folks might have bad
experiences with it but the fact that so many of my workmates are still
alive and kicking may indicate the EPA has overstated it's problems.... 
Since it boils at 104F, it doesn't hang around long which makes it easy
to just stay 'upwind'.  Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

I should also comment about the good Lancair factory support.  Although I
didn't call them much, they were kind and helpful when asked.  (I knew
them when they were basically a two-man and one woman show).  I preferred
the 'smallness' but understand why they have grown so large and in the
long run it will probably ensure stability in their/our product.

Earl Schroeder
Mt Vernon, In 
812 985-3339