Author: "eholdin" <eholdin@...> Time: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:04 pm PST Link
Here are some observations and experiences on riveting that might
help others that follow. So far, they've worked for me.
I'm building a QB RV-7A, which was started in late September 2003. I
have a wood-working background, but no previous aircraft metal-
working experience. In September, 2003, I took a 1-day class at
Eugene, OR, put on by Wally Anderson and built the small flap section
kit that was there to build. It was time and money, $150, that was
well-spent. I ordered my tools and picked up my empennage kit the
following week.
I was able to use most of the necessary tools and building techniques
that Vans mentions in the preview plans. To this point, I've
finished the empennage and almost all the QB fuselage items.
I read all of the postings about riveting and rivet squeezing. When
I ordered my tools, which I split up between, Brown, Cleaveland and
Avery, I chose to go without a rivet squeezer. After the building
class, I couldn't see the overwhelming need for it. Of course, it
would have been useful in various places, but I figured I needed to
get as comfortable as I could with a rivet gun so finish riveting the
skins would come out well.
So I chose to buy a little better rivet gun, a Sioux 3x, and put off
buying the squeezer 'til later or completely avoid it. Using $150 to
buy a Tatco hand squeezer wasn't an issue, but $150 is $150 and why
spend it if you don't have to. It helped that Brown had the Siuox
gun for $219 in late September. The gun is a good, well-balanced
tool. I have to lower the pressure to 20-30 psi for 3/32 flush
rivets. The only change I would make is to buy the 2x model rather
than the 3x. The QB kit doesn't have very demanding riveting
requirements.
Perhaps there will be situations where I'll need a squeezer as I move
on to the wings, canopy and cowl. If so, I'll get one, but for now
I'll just keep building.
Mike Di Iulio
Vancouver, WA
RV-7A QB