Build time

[weezer]

Anyone got an estimate of the build time of the LE/XL and or the DE ? I have build experience in aluminum, ( Zenith CH-701 wings and tail group ) but I'm not going to continue with this project. I'll be 72 in Sept. and I have been in construction for 50 years so I know how to read prints and drawings pretty good and I do have lay out skills. And I don't mean laying out of work ! Lol ! I've never done any torch welding except at AirVenture one time but I know I can master that pretty quickly.  I'm competent in stick and mig welding though. The reason I'm asking is because I'm waiting to see if I pass my 3rd class medical. I jumped through all the hoops back in April but the FAA wasn't satisfied with what my Aeromed doctor sent them so I did it all over again, on my own nickel ! Stress test, eye exam, (I'm blind in one eye) and a new sleep study. (I use a C-PAP machine). I mailed them 92 pages of stuff and I'm still waiting for an answer. If I get denied it will be U/L from here on out, so any info will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

[dcstrng]

Kind of curious myself -- am in the same age group and have been laboring over one uncompleted aero project (life gets in the way) or another for 8-10 years, and although I think I'd do an N-numbered variety (probably XL), Am thinking of something more basic -- if, indeed, the LE is a bit simpler () I'm curious how many hours builders find goes into a well-done LE (have welding equipment and reasonable skills).

Thanks

[Terry]

Leonard Milholland comments on the build time at 5 minutes into this video:

[Tom H]

Five of us decided to build a DE several years ago, after finishing and flying a LE build.  We set a goal to have it taxiing in one year.  We missed the goal by a couple weeks.

One guy did most fuselage construction, a couple did the wing bones, I built the enqine, gear and tail group.  Then we all got together to put the parts together and finish the last 90 percent.  We probably worked an average of 3 days per week.  Took a  hunk of another year for first flight.  A lot of that was poor weather.

[Theodore]

Like in Construction work, the more hands on a project the sooner to completion, many members of team with a range of skill often apprentice level means a supervisor is needed. Hopefully this is owner/pilot, quality work takes time, please take your time some of this IS rocket science...
 Im on a three year plan to fly, 6 months to study and prepare, this is focused on modifications also differences between the three models. I will build two engines from parts on hand, scrounging is a big part of it here. i have three older snowmobiles im considering their engines too, although the best HP is water cooled(weight??)
my residential garage is my shop, has heat for the winter months and good ventilation for the fumes of welding and covering (in the summer).
Ventilation is a must, use it for welding epoxy sanding and covering (dope is death). Use a high output shop vac with large funnel, i found an old whole house canister that i mounted on the exterior, easy to use.