Inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” which made the legendary first transatlantic crossing from New York to Paris in 1927, thismodel recalls the exciting challenges of the early days of American aviation. With all the different steps and tasks involved, from bandsawing to precision cutting and drilling to using a traditional spokeshave, completing this airplane will surely advance your skills. And after you build it, you’lllearn how to apply and use finishes to protect the wood and keep it looking beautiful. BEFORE YOU BEGIN Good craftsmanship begins and ends with good work habits, so makethe following steps part of your routine workshop practice. If you haveany doubts or questions about how to proceed with a project, alwaysdiscuss them with your shop instructor.• Carefully and fully review plans and instructions before putting a tool to the project lumber. • Work sensibly and safely. Wear safety goggles when doing work that creates flying chips and sawdust; wear the appropriate respiratorwhenever making sawdust or working with thinners or other solvents. • At the end of every work session, clean up your shop area and put away all portable tools.