Your favorite tool? - Page 4

jsherblon · #31 02-20-2006, 05:06 PM

Not really a tool, but I got a pair of CLC Gel Pro Framers Gloves at the hardware store. They are like mechanics gloves but the thumbs & 1st and 2nd fingers are open. They have gel cushioned pads in the palms. I wear them all the time - easy to pick up a rivet, they absorb some rivet gun impact, and protect skin from many (but not all) cuts and scrapes.

rmcgann · #32 02-20-2006, 06:50 PM

#1 "Multitool" attachment for bench grinder. Takes Scotch Brite belts and makes deburring a treat.

#2 Pneumatic Squeezer

#3 Acquired last weekend, but wish I had it years ago - Avery's Universal Head Rivet remover, Does a perfect job of removing universal head rivets every time.

Ron
RV-10 fuse.

szicree · #33 03-15-2006, 07:33 PM

Went out today and got myself a new DA (the sander, not the haircut). My old one got loaned out to a neighbor and never returned. Boy, I had forgotten just how lame other sanders are compared to a DA. Made quick work of filling the ripples in my wingtips and will come in real handy when its time to scuff the whole plane for paint.

mgomez · #34 03-15-2006, 07:41 PM

Building is more fun with music.

osxuser · #35 03-15-2006, 08:16 PM

I agree about the music!

Wicked Stick · #36 03-15-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avaviat

Mel,

You are truly the master.... I've haven't managed to get more than 4 pulls out of a nail when pulling w/ a pneumatic rivet puller. A whole skin?

I was looking through the ATS catalog and they have a dimpling set (w/ matching backing block) for a rivet gun... anybody try one of those?

Yes, I have one, and tried it out the other day. I have a 3x gun, and I found that it's best if you dial the pressure down to 15 or 20 psi tops. Just make sure its straight on the part and it makes nice dimples for areas that you can't get a squeezer on, or where parts have already been assembled.

I got it specifically for those areas of the fuselage where Van's instructs to dimple the skins even though the other parts have not been match drilled yet.
I didn't want to have to drill through a dimpled hole which is usually larger in diameter and try to have it match the other part afterwards. This way I can match drill the holes then dimple both parts afterwards.

Tony Partain · #37 03-15-2006, 10:05 PM

Ok I have two tool boxes full of tools from which I could present a top ten list of tools. But if you boil it down to one it has to be the end result. That right Transporter N116WT is my favorite tool.

Two weeks ago I got a call in the morning from the guys at Cub Crafters, they wanted a quote on moving some of thier Sport Cubs. Typed up the quote and had it on their desk in under two hours. Got a tour of the factory and was back at work with two hours left to work.

I can fly over to Vans on 35 minutes (three hours by car) and be back in the office to still make a productive day of it. The plane is my favorite.

BTW if you ever get a chance to tour Cub Crafters in Yakima WA do it. They reminded me of the the group at Vans, a very good company. There is a resturant on the field too.

Scott Will · #38 03-16-2006, 06:25 AM

Tony - your ride looks great.

My favorite building tool would be a 45 deg drill followed very closely by my pneumatic squeezer. That drill can go many places others can't.

Rick6a · #39 03-16-2006, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Will

My favorite building tool would be a 45 deg drill followed very closely by my pneumatic squeezer. That drill can go many places others can't.

Scott,

Like you, I much prefer the utility and ergonomics of a 45 degree drill over the typical 90 degree variety. Still, I would be hard pressed indeed to vote my alligator squeezer off the island first.

Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"

Brantel · #40 03-16-2006, 07:12 AM

I have only built the emp. on my RV-7A but I built the horizontal stabilizer with the Avery hand squeezer. I knew right then that I was not going to build this entire plane that way and ordered the pneumatic one that used the same yoke as the hand model. That way I had multiple yokes to choose from. I completed the vertical stab, rudder, and elevators with allot less pain and suffering. At the time I thought it was allot of money but based on the amount of happiness it brought, I would say that over the life of a project, this thing would pay for itself at least a 100 times.