Where did you buy spar material?

[buzzypeterson]

Finally got around to building the giant work bench so I can get to work on spars to put the ribs I built 3 years ago on to.  Just wondering where you guys got you're spar caps and what they cost. I'm looking for the best deal without having to become a lumberjack.  Has anyone used Douglas fir from Home Depot? I saw some there that would meet the specs but not so sure about that.

[Sam Buchanan]

Finally got around to building the giant work bench so I can get to work on spars to put the ribs I built 3 years ago on to.  Just wondering where you guys got you're spar caps and what they cost. I'm looking for the best deal without having to become a lumberjack.  Has anyone used Douglas fir from Home Depot? I saw some there that would meet the specs but not so sure about that.

When I built my Eagle (and my other planes), and even though I am a frugal builder,  I decided there were some components where shortcuts just could not be taken. The spars are what keep us from becoming an accident statistic, so I decided high grade materials would be used regardless of cost.

I purchased spar caps from Aircraft Spruce. Yes, it is more expensive than experimenting with stuff we find in big box stores. But my safety and piece of mind is worth whatever aircraft grade materials and shipping costs.

There are areas where expenses can be minimized, but spars ain't one of them in my opinion.  

[XL-C-100]

I made all my spar caps from Doug Fir I bought at Home Depot. I was very careful in selecting boards with at least 8 rings per inch and very straight grain. It was a bit of a challenge sorting through the piles but I feel good about the end result. I do understand what Sam is saying about piece of mind from buying high grade materials from a trusted source. If you decide you want to save some money by sourcing your own lumber make sure you do your homework. Check this out   

I spent less than $100 for all the lumber for my wings so I feel it was worth the extra effort. I also added a few precious pounds to my wings

[Bob S.]

I'll be the first to state, I am not smart enough to pick the right DougFir so bought from Aircraft Spruce all the wood... I feel better knowing it is Mil Spec or FAA Spec airplane wood!!

[buzzypeterson]

So less than 100 bucks at the depot hmmm. I can count some rings. But how much woukd I be saving? You guys that ordered from spruce or wicks did you buy the spar caps or did you buy a large piece and saw it down?  Do you remember what you paid off the top of your head?  Trying to ballpark if it's worth the savings.

[Sam Buchanan]

So less than 100 bucks at the depot hmmm. I can count some rings. But how much woukd I be saving? You guys that ordered from spruce or wicks did you buy the spar caps or did you buy a large piece and saw it down?  Do you remember what you paid off the top of your head?  Trying to ballpark if it's worth the savings.

Bought the spar caps, no need to waste wood by sawing from a plank.

Just go to Aircraft Spruce's page I referenced above, put what you need in a cart and let it calculate the $$$'s for you (I'm assuming you have a set of DE plans with the material list.) You can save the cart and if you decide to place an order you have already done the heavy lifting.

Another thing to consider--you can save on shipping cost by ordering the spar caps along with the long tubing you need for longerons and having it all shipped in the same tube.

And to answer the question I think you are really asking...you will spend about $12K on your DE if you buy a new engine and some decent instruments.  The cost of the spar caps will be a tiny portion of the total cost regardless of where you buy them.    

[CHARLES DEBOER]

So less than 100 bucks at the depot hmmm. I can count some rings. But how much woukd I be saving? You guys that ordered from spruce or wicks did you buy the spar caps or did you buy a large piece and saw it down? Do you remember what you paid off the top of your head? Trying to ballpark if it's worth the savings.

Bought the spar caps, no need to waste wood by sawing from a plank. Just go to Aircraft Spruce's page I referenced above, put what you need in a cart and let it calculate the $$$'s for you (I'm assuming you have a set of DE plans with the material list.) You can save the cart and if you decide to place an order you have already done the heavy lifting. Another thing to consider--you can save on shipping cost by ordering the spar caps along with the long tubing you need for longerons and having it all shipped in the same tube. And to answer the question I think you are really asking...you will spend about $12K on your DE if you buy a new engine and some decent instruments. The cost of the spar caps will be a tiny portion of the total cost regardless of where you buy them.

Here is some reading material on wood.  See attachment below.

[Richfroh]

I bought all my spar material from Aircraft Spruce. Buying the Pre-cut sizes is about the same as buying a larger plank and cutting it down and saves the extra work. I also will not skimp on structural parts.