VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #11  
Old 09-29-2008, 08:37 PM
JoeLofton JoeLofton is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 145
Default Use Blind Rivets?

For my RV-9, after looking at the contortions that would be required to drive those rivets attaching the LE to the spar, I asked Van's whether blind rivets can be used. Here is their answer:

"It is acceptable to attach the leading edge ribs to the spar with LP4-3 or LP4-
4 blind rivets. Be sure to use the proper grip length rivet for the material
thickness."

...Joe
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-30-2008, 11:45 AM
Vic LaRocca Vic LaRocca is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 51
Default First real frustration

Kelly, I had the same problem and same frustration. For me part of the solution was Blue Bell coffee flavor.
2 of my middle ribs on the first wing looked just like yours. Repeated attempts kept comming out the same way.
I called Vans and asked about using nut plates on the second wing's rib flanges and screws through the spar. They were ok with it as long as I was ok with the extra weight(2 rivits, nutplate, screw and washer per 1/8" rivit hole). Wish I had done it sooner instead of fretting over it for a week.
Vic
RV-8 Wings and tail done. Working on Fuse.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-30-2008, 12:21 PM
AntiGravity's Avatar
AntiGravity AntiGravity is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Posts: 632
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by az_gila View Post
"hold the set and gun with two hands (partner bucking)"

This really does make a difference - a lot of builders are reluctant to actually hold the set while bucking, but it helps with these offset sets...

If you don't, the set starts to rotate and everything goes to h*&^ quickly, and smileys grow...
Which is why, when working single handed with the offset set, duct tape around it is really useful to stop the set from rotating. Mind you, I only do this if I absolutely must; as long as I can wait for assistance, I'll wait so I can then use both hands. I hate that offset set. Stupid thing.
__________________
Jeff Preou
Hamilton, New Zealand
STATUS: not building anything at all... yet ...
http://www.preou.com
http://www.kitlog.com/users/index.php?user=jpreou
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-30-2008, 12:41 PM
rjcthree's Avatar
rjcthree rjcthree is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bay Village, OH
Posts: 886
Default Two hands

I've had very little help. But where it really made a difference was on these -4's. Gotta hold the set in one hand, gun in the other. If you need to, get a different helper, politically correctly, of course. The Avery set protectors worked for me too, but I suspect a lot of that is mental; they are a bigger help when there is a inexperienced helper on the gun.

I do differ with some gun comments. The rivet forming gets done by the bucking bar. My tungsten bucking bar was rec'd about halfway through these, and it made a world of difference. I haven't has a place where a 2x at 60 psi wasn't sufficient, but I've also got a regulated header tank (10 gal) and only use 10' of hose to my tools. This stuff matters.

I also have some cherry structural rivets in some of these holes, generally closest to the spar flange, out of frustration. And some smiley ones. And a rib doink or two. An extra dab of primer and it all disappears. You're in a lot of company.

Build on!

Rick
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-30-2008, 02:25 PM
dhall_polo's Avatar
dhall_polo dhall_polo is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Cumming, GA
Posts: 610
Default

Ah yes, remember those rivets well. I had tendonitis in my riveting arm for months after that. Riveting and reaching don't mix...
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-30-2008, 03:21 PM
Lionclaw's Avatar
Lionclaw Lionclaw is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 659
Default

I bucked those while my wife drove them in. We used a 10" extension in my rivet gun. We found that keeping the set as straight as possible and using plenty of force would keep the rivets looking nice.

Holding the set in place never hurts either. It took us a while to get over the fear of touching the set while the rivet gun was pounding.
__________________
Andy Compton, PhD EE
RV-10 - #41414 (building)
RV-9A - N643AC (built,flying,sold,missed)
My blood and sweat, the Wifey's tears
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-30-2008, 04:12 PM
SteinAir SteinAir is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 2,473
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Geico266 View Post
Get your hands on a 3X gun for the larger rivets.
Ditto what Larry said.

or even my favorite - a 4x....you can always turn the air pressure down on the bigger guns. I think you'll find that most people who've shot lots of rivets prefer a 3 or 4 - not I many I know prefer a 2.

Lots of other good advice as well. Mel makes a good point about holding the offset sets - almost a must do.

My 2 cents as usual.

Cheers,
Stein
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-30-2008, 05:06 PM
Danny7 Danny7 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: central oregon
Posts: 1,089
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1:1 Scale View Post
I've ordered up some 12" drill bits and a 3/32" and 1/8" punch, and have a friend that has a "2X gun with a 3X piston" that he really likes and is going to send me to try. I'll also try the duct tape in the tip and around the spring. I had tried holding the set on the second and third rivets, and they were getting better, but I think we just worked on them too much in the end.

Scott, I bought the set second hand, but it has "1/8" 470" stamped on it, so I'm pretty sure it's the right set

I guess I'll dimple ribs and prep the top skins for riveting until the tools get here Sucks waking up at 2AM to the thought of "rivet defeat" though

Hey Kelly,

I've got a 3x gun, 12 '' bits and snap socs. give me a call if you want to use them, i've been busy building some barns. I'll be out of town in november.

danny (bend)

i've also got the tungsten bars if you want to use them

Last edited by Danny7 : 09-30-2008 at 05:11 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-01-2008, 09:44 PM
1:1 Scale 1:1 Scale is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: S21, Oregon
Posts: 161
Default

Thanks Danny, I'll be calling you next week for the 3x gun and a trigger man
__________________
Kelly
RV-7 empennage done, wings done, fuselage to QB stage.
1973 Maule M4-220C flying
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:26 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.