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11-28-2016, 10:09 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 461
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How much work where two builders are required?
Hi guys,
I have completed an RV-12 a while back and am now contemplating building a better (faster) travel machine. In deciding whether to go with a QB or a traditional kit, I am wondering how much work there is on a -9 that will absolutely require 2 people to complete it.
I don't mind the occasional helping hand on canopy work and moving a wing around and such but it would be a problem having to frequently require the help of my better half to complete riveting jobs.
Torsten.
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11-28-2016, 10:46 AM
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pocahontas MS
Posts: 3,884
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I've largely completed a -7 airframe (same fuselage). I had probably 2 hours help with the fuselage, and maybe 5-10 hrs of help doing the 1st side of the wing skins (top), while they were in the jigs. I did virtually all the rest alone. It would be a lot faster (and with less chance of damage) if you had closer to 20-30 hrs of help on the fuselage, and some help with the bottom wing skins. I'm 5'10", with avg length arms and politically sized hands, and I was able to reach virtually all the rivet points in the fuselage. But it did require some careful planning and 'interesting' contortions. IIRC, one of the few places that absolutely required assistance was joining the tailcone to the mid-fuselage; the rivet line along the belly and up the side for a few inches.
My wing riveting partner was a student from the local a&p school, referred by the instructor who was a friend of mine. The student wanted the experience, so he wasn't a 'hired gun'. The little addtl assistance was from neighbors who had some building experience. If you have a local EAA chapter, there should be someone there who'd be willing to help out occasionally for meals/beverages, or in exchange for your help with their projects.
Charlie
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11-28-2016, 10:52 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: West Fargo, ND
Posts: 1,073
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Not much, maybe 4 days where I needed a second body
__________________
Derek Hoeschen
EAA Tech Counselor
RV-9A #92103 - N803DK
G3X, Superior XO-320, Dual Pmags, Catto 3B
www.mykitlog.com/dbro172/
1974 Bellanca Super Viking - N16AW - Flying
RV-8 #83565 - N184DK - building
1968 Mooney M20C - N6801N - Sold
1956 C-182 - N744W - Sold
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11-28-2016, 11:34 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Posts: 2,370
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How long are your arms? 
I did 99+% of the riveting by myself on the -9. There were a couple of sections that I couldn't reach on the center fuselage, wing skins and putting in the last forward top skin over the front fuselage. Two of my three kids got familiar with the rivet gun and would help out when needed. I had another friend come up and help with the top skins on the wings, more for speed than being unable to do it myself.
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11-28-2016, 12:16 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Garden City, Tx
Posts: 5,145
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I think I had a second person for maybe 5 hours total on my build, I was able to rivet all the wing skins solo.
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Greg Niehues - SEL, IFR, Repairman Cert.
Garden City, TX VAF 2020 dues paid 
N16GN flying 700 hrs and counting; IO360, SDS, WWRV200, Dynon HDX, 430W
Built an off-plan RV9A with too much fuel and too much HP. Should drop dead any minute now.
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11-30-2016, 04:25 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 254
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I have one wing out of the jig and one just in. So far, I've absolutely needed riveting help for most of the leading edges, the entire tank, top skins, and nose ribs.
The tail I did almost completely alone.
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Stu F.
RV8
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11-30-2016, 05:08 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 873
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I did a fair amount of riveting on my 9A solo, but most of the large skins were done with a helper. Things sure went a lot faster and were more enjoyable with help than when I was riveting large pieces by myself.
If you can find another local builder, you can help each other out, and I think you'll both end up with better results.
__________________
Mark
RV-12iS Fuselage
RV-9A Project: Sold
VAF donation made for 2020
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12-13-2016, 10:28 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 111
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How much work?
I built a -9A almost completely by myself. Just a few times needed a 2nd hand to help. Did a QB so the bulk of the riveting was already done. Don't be afraid to jump right in.....
Keith
N355RV
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12-13-2016, 10:24 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 232
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I also built a RV9A solo.
It can be done. Hanging the engine, mounting the wings, fitting the cowls and fitting the tip up solo, require a bit of planning, but can be done.
PS (your Harbor Freight engine hoist is your best friend.)
__________________
whd721
RV9A
Sherwood, Oregon
As Bill Stout (designer of the Ford Trimotor) used to say, ?Simplicate and add Lightness?
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12-26-2016, 06:46 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bay Village, OH
Posts: 886
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141 rivets
I need help on 141 rivets, I'm about 5'11", wider hands. Tungsten bar made a big positive difference for me. Tungsten bar is also a bigger risk when dropped inside a structure. I used tape and piece of twine to make a wrist strap.
About half the rivets I needed help on were lower wing skins, the rest in the upper fuse skins.
+1 on the engine hoist, and the value of a fuselage rotisserie can't be understated.
RIck
__________________
Rick
RV-9A N183RC/90432: tip-up, O320H2, Ellison, Dynon D180, CPi2, Sen GA, at KLPR
RV-8 83718, wing kit, tanks done, with a four year plus plan - on hold due to home move
2011-2020 VAF contributor
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