DRDT adjustments

[Thunderpig]

Originally Posted by Thunderpig

Just posted a couple pictures of my about to be finished -10 HS and I am getting some comments on how I may not be "aggressive" enough. I am using an Experimental Aero dimpler with a dimple die set from Cleveland. Will try to get some pics posted on here...all arrows and suggestions are welcome.

Main question is, is there a difference in the die sets and just how tight can one go when dimpling. Not wanting to cause stress cracks...I am currently deburring and priming before dimpling.

http://cubeupload.com/im/Thunderpig/IMG0172.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Thunderpig/IMG0173.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Thunderpig/IMG0174.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Thunderpig/IMG0175.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Thunderpig/IMG0176.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Thunderpig/IMG0177.jpg

This is a copy of a post I made in the Tools section...anyone have a DRDT and is there anyway to make these dimples more properly defined?

[Nova RV]

More pressure, a lot and they will form nicely. There is a video by Cleaveland tools on dimpling and getting crisp dimples. I watched it and went right to the shop and added a lot of pressure from my DRDT and the dimples improved 100%

[FloMo14Builder]

Yep, I used a lot more pressure to the point that the DRDT arm deflects noticeably and I now get crisp edged dimples.

[Thunderpig]

Question is...is this a show stopper? I clearly haven't made perfect dimples, but structurally, I don't see a huge issue.

[Dan Langhout]

My horizontal stab was just a bit "underdimpled" until I zeroed in on how to set up my DRDT-2. I was concerned at the time (cosmetically, not structurally) but it turned out to be a non issue.

I used 1 turn pre-load for all the rest of my build - worked great! 1 turn pre-load defined as one additional turn of the adjustment screw from the point where the two bare dies touch each other (no material between the dies). As others have pointed out, in use there is a noticeable deflection in the upper arm of the tool when dimpling.

You might take a look at this post http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...07&postcount=3 that I made back in 2009. It has photos of test dimples I made with the DRDT-2 and pneumatic dimpler using different preloads.

[BrianDC]

No, this is not a structural issue, but a cosmetic one.

Agree with the others that your dimples appear to be slightly under dimpled. Honestly not a real problem, just a "look" thing.

Here is the cleavland tool video being discussed:
https://youtu.be/Qo9QCMaNSoA

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by BrianDC

No, this is not a structural issue, but a cosmetic one.

Agree with the others that your dimples appear to be slightly under dimpled. Honestly not a real problem, just a "look" thing.

Here is the cleavland tool video being discussed:
https://youtu.be/Qo9QCMaNSoA

Just a little point.
It shouldn't be structural but if the dimples don't nest in the substructure and parts have a gap, it can be structural.

[BrianDC]

Originally Posted by wirejock

Just a little point.
It shouldn't be structural but if the dimples don't nest in the substructure and parts have a gap, it can be structural.

Good point, but not specifically a symptom of a consistently under-dimpled parts. Inconsistent dimpled parts would show this behavior, or insufficient countersinking.

Gahhh!!!! I'm no expert, I just play one on the internet, and why I suggested an EAA counselor give a visit in the other thread.

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by BrianDC

Good point, but not specifically a symptom of a consistently under-dimpled parts. Inconsistent dimpled parts would show this behavior, or insufficient countersinking.

Gahhh!!!! I'm no expert, I just play one on the internet, and why I suggested an EAA counselor give a visit in the other thread.

Yes. Exactly. I should have made that clearer.

[MJarreau]

I'm not exactly the most mechanical person in my family.

Ok, so I just re-read Dan's post. Does "one additional turn" mean putting the dies closer together?

Thanks!