Hatz Biplane Association

Can't say if Wicks would be quicker. The spruce outlets get a shipment of spruce in now and then. Getting your order in a timely manor depends on where they are in terms of their stock and when their next shipment gets in. When they get a shipment of spruce in, they have to go through all of it to determine what is aircraft spec and what isn't. And that is where Wicks shines over the rest. What you get from them will be the finest. They have been in the musical instrument building business for a very long time. Musical instruments, like pianos, get there sound quality from the spruce they are made from. When Wicks gets a load of spruce in, they pick out the aircraft quality lumber, then use the rest for their other non aviation stuff. I think I remember reading that about 10 - 15% of the spruce they get is aircraft grade. The rest isn't. Don't depend on those numbers exactly. The point is, a very small amount of spruce that is shipped is good enough to used on aircraft and the final say is with the builder, not Wicks or A/C Spruce. So, I buy from Wicks because I can count on their wood being top quality always.

Just $.02 worth...

With the seven weeks that I waited for spruce from Aircraft Spruce I think I will try Wicks next.
Thanks

If you want good prices and availability on nuts, bolts etc., shop Aircraft Spruce. If you want THE BEST in spruce for your aircraft, no one knows spruce like Wicks Aircraft in Highland, Ill. They are the professors of spruce!

No, I don't get any kick backs from this testimonial. This is my impression based on my dealings with them over the past 30 or more years, and from stories from close friends who've been dealt some crummy spruce from A/S. Like I said, though, Aircraft Spruce's prices on aircraft hardware and accessories can't be beat.

Dave,
I feel your pain. I started mine a few months ago, asked the same question and I am looking forward to any answer that you might get. I can tell you that I ordered enough to build all the ribs and the center section. Like you I wanted to make one big order but without a list I decided to start small and see what I learned about wood along the way. I also didn't want a bunch of wood sitting around just getting in the way. I was surprised that it took seven weeks to get the spruce for my ribs. I never did find out why.
This is what I ordered for the ribs and center section:
Ribs:
540' 1/4 x 1/4 spruce. (135 pieces 4' long, Aircraft Spruce)
2 pieces of 1/4" birch plywood 2' x 4' (small size saves shipping, Aircraft Spruce)
3 pieces of 1/16 mahogany plywood 2' x 4' (Aircraft Spruce)

Center Section:
1 piece 60" x 60" x 1/4 birch plywood for the center section floor and end ribs. I sourced this locally from a cabinet maker. It is a good, 5 ply, plywood but not aircraft grade. I boiled a piece in water and then let it sit over the weekend in the same water and it still looked new.
1 piece 3/4 spruce spar, 4 1/2" x 5' long ( Aircraft Spruce)
1 piece 3/4 spruce spar, 5 1/2" x 5' long (Aircraft Spruce)
2 pieces of 1/16 birch plywood 2' x 4' (Aircraft Spruce)
3 pieces of 1 x 3 pine, 6' long from Lowes for the trailing edge bow. These pieces actually worked out great.
2 pieces 2 x 4 Douglas fir 5' long for the tank mount. These were carefully chosen for grain and clarity, no knots, there was a big selection. (Local lumber supply)

The center section is about half way finished. All the parts are cut and fit but I have had trouble with the metal pieces. I can't glue it together without these so it has been sitting. The 1/16 birch ply is for the leading edge and the top and bottom of the rear section. Since the center section is 54 inches wide I will have to scarf splice the plywood. I may regret the size that I ordered and have to bite the bullet and get a bigger sheet. So far I am happy with what I ordered.

I have some pictures on my web site here:
http://edwinwhite.com/hatz.html

Good luck, If you ask again in about a year I will have a full list.

Ed

I know this is an old thread... but I am hoping someone will answer... I just bought a house, and now that I have a garage I hope to order the plans soon!

Hi All

This has probably been asked but could not find previous references so will ask again.

Does anyone have a complete materials list for the wood needed for the Classic? I would like to place just one order and get the whole shebang to save freight charges. If I was not so damn lazy I would go through plans and build a list. Course I might have to do that anyway.

Keep them workshops humming!

Dave