Canopy Stand

[Fedido]

It has been a bit since I have been within the village walls. While I have some requests from the last project to touch up, I have tackled another project. I say that, but it is just starting. It will require some explanations. Keep in mind I work in a place with pilots. I was asked a couple of months ago if I could acquire a canopy off an aircraft. It just so happens I knew where a two seat version was and brought it in. Now the request is to flip it over so refreshments can be stored there with ice. Monday, I was able to get the canopy in the frame. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done, but going slow and steady. I intend to do some more work on the canopy and then the final steps are going to be putting plywood up. I have some thoughts on how to make it different (even more unique) . By the way, it is on wheels so it can be moved. 

[JimErn]

Interesting start to the project.  I see the rear (left in the pic) is supported by a 2x4, is that support necessary?  I think it would look a lot better if the bottom of the canopy was flush with the top 2x4's

Between the wood, the canopy and ice and beer that is going to be one heavy display, will the castors hold it all easily?

And afterward, draining the water from melted ice will be done - how?

[Fedido]

@JimErn, Thank you for the questions as they are great ones. The 2x4's are actually 2x6's. the canopy weighs in at 450 pounds. The crossmembers are two fold, stability of the structure and to support some of the weight. Is it too high, maybe. I wanted to make sure I had enough room for the whole bubble. Once I remove some hardware, I will be drilling a hole on the bottom so that it can be drained. I am also looking at putting a piece of pelix-glass in the center so that only half can be used. As far as the weights, there are six of them rated at 115 pounds each. so far, so good. I have also lost about 20 pounds of dirt from it, which is a good things. After I get all that done, I am looking forward to the finishing. It will pay tribute to members no longer with us. I greatly apperciate your comments and look forword to more. If I am missing something, please let me know! 

[JimErn]

Well that stunned me somewhat, I had no idea the canopy would weigh in at 450 pounds, wow.

Keep us update with progress pics, this looks really amazing.

[amazingkevin]

I got to see this monstrosity!!!

[teachnlearn]

Is this thing for selling at fairs or a second vacation home? Seriously over built. Everything I build is over design and my wife job is to over fill cabinets or test wall shelves weight capacity. So far my designs have held til she finds something too large or too heavy. RJF

[Fedido]

Thank you for the comments. It was meant to hold a ton of weight, therefore it was built like a brick outhouse. The reason it weights so much is the fact that it covers two people and the transparency can take a turkey vulture at 450 knots and not break. I still have some saws alling to do and install a drain before the fun stuff of wrapping it like it is in Thailand! Thanks again for the comments. What I have planed will be great. On a side know, I made doors for the historical book display case and used the towel rack off this as a handle. Thinking about encasing the hinges with a used 20 MM round. too much to think about! 

[Tomanydogs]

I need to ask. I’m assuming the canopy is part of a plane. Which part?

[Fedido]

4 hours ago, Tomanydogs said:

I need to ask. I’m assuming the canopy is part of a plane. Which part?

The canopy is the clear part that the aircrew looks out of. In jet airliners like at the airport, what the pilot looks out is a windscreen. This one, has the gray frame and lowers over the cockpit. I hope that makes sense. 

[Tomanydogs]

9 hours ago, Fedido said:

The canopy is the clear part that the aircrew looks out of. In jet airliners like at the airport, what the pilot looks out is a windscreen. This one, has the gray frame and lowers over the cockpit. I hope that makes sense. 

I see thank you. P.S. are those your wooden shoes on the wall?

[Fedido]

On 10/23/2020 at 4:37 AM, Tomanydogs said:

I see thank you. P.S. are those your wooden shoes on the wall?

Good eye! This lives in the heritage room right now. Those wooden shoes were a gift from one of our Dutch exchange pilots. 

[Tomanydogs]

8 hours ago, Fedido said:

Good eye! This lives in the heritage room right now. Those wooden shoes were a gift from one of our Dutch exchange pilots. 

We had wooden shoes in the house growing up, couldn’t understand how the Dutch could wear them very painful to wear for long periods of time. I guess they were accustom to them after a while. How is the canopy stand cooler coming along?

[Fedido]

6 hours ago, Tomanydogs said:

We had wooden shoes in the house growing up, couldn’t understand how the Dutch could wear them very painful to wear for long periods of time. I guess they were accustom to them after a while. How is the canopy stand cooler coming along?

@Tomanydogs, Thanks for asking. I was about to ground off some metal to make it safer. This weekend, I started getting the things for the drain system, just trying to figure out the drain hole and not looking forward to drilling through it. I am also finishing the historical book display. I repurposed the bars inside the canopy to make door handles. I am in the process of cutting some used round shells from the gun, but my Dremel keeps dying. . My goal to hopefully have the drain system done this week. I have a couple of months before it has to be finished. I will add pictures when I start making noticeable progress. 

[Tomanydogs]

Wow it sounds very unique. I look forward to seeing the process and progress. 

[Fedido]

Just a short update, installed LED lights and did some more sheet metal work. Tomorrow’s agenda is back to what I like, work on the wood.

[Fedido]

Another update, did one panel today. Prepping for the right side, the whole side. So it will be a little while before I get to update. 

Edited November 5, 2020 by Fedido

[Fedido]

Well, been really busy the last two days, but finally can show some work. It is the toast for the unit. Used a jig saw with 20 teeth per inch Bosch blades. I am now sold on these blades. 

[Tomanydogs]

This is looking very good Dan. Very nice cutting with the Jig saw. I like the lights. This is an exciting project. 

[Fedido]

On 11/6/2020 at 3:47 PM, Tomanydogs said:

This is looking very good Dan. Very nice cutting with the Jig saw. I like the lights. This is an exciting project. 

Thank you very much. I have enjoyed making it and it is an honor. I started another panel today. Trying to take my time on this. It is definitely a labor of love. 

[Dan]

F-16?

[Fedido]

14 hours ago, Dan said:

F-16?

Yes, it is an F-16 D Model canopy. 

[teachnlearn]

Maybe as and outing you can all go out, put it on a catapult and see if its got any fly left in it. RJF

[Fedido]

On 11/10/2020 at 5:12 PM, teachnlearn said:

Maybe as and outing you can all go out, put it on a catapult and see if its got any fly left in it. RJF

Don’t tempt me!

[Fedido]

Finished the last two panels today. Time to start the staining. Hope you all like it. 

[Fedido]

All right, after having surgery and being down for about a month, put some finishing touches on this canopy stand. Hope you all can enjoy it as it was a labor of love for sure. 
sorry for the disoriented photos.