Vertical Stabilizer

[Topturn]

I've invited the inspector over to take a look and will get back once he's been over and this whole prrocess is about learning

[Geico266]

Originally Posted by Topturn

I've invited the inspector over to take a look and will get back once he's been over and this whole process is about learning

Excellent idea! It is always good to have a second pair of eyes on a project.

[Mich48041]

Jason,
Until you buy a rivet gauge, you can make a one by drilling a 3/16" hole in a piece of scrap. The shop head of a 1/8" rivet should not go through the hole. Likewise, a 9/64" hole can be used to check the shop head of a 3/32" rivet.
There are many posts about rivet squeezers. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ain+squeeze%22
I have the Cleaveland Main Squeeze and love it. It has a greater mechanical advantage than other brands. You can buy only the handles and use your existing yoke and dies.
http://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com/p...number=SCHKITW
Joe

[MartySantic]

Originally Posted by Geico266

Excellent idea! It is always good to have a second pair of eyes on a project.

And I'll add, the Avery videos on the basics are pretty darn good to help you along. Or better yet, find a fellow builder in your area. You could start with one of the local EAA chapters or clubs. You could cover the basics in a short evening.

Another way to find builders in your area is via the VAF white pages.

OR just put a post on a couple of the VAF forums and ask for a bit of help getting started.

http://www.vansairforce.net/rvwp_country.pdf

[gblwy]

Short of buying a pneumatic squeezer you can usually rest one handle of the "armstrong" variety on the work bench and push with the other one. This is easier and more controllable. Not really necessary for 3/16 rivets but makes life easier with the 1/8 inch ones.

Cheers...Keith

[Topturn]

Guys as always brilliant advice and I ordered some rivet gauges last night whilst at work so that will help when they arrive and meanwhile I'll make a gauge from some scrap I have in the garage.

Inspector coming over tomorrow night so I'll take his advise on what I've done so far and amend anything that might be required . I've had a day off today decided it was wise to wait and see what the man says tomorrow before having too many bits underway / jobs to redo.

[Topturn]

LAA Inspector has been over tonight and signed off the VS Frame and the Rudder Frame so tomorrow I can half rivet the skin on the rudder and will do the same when the replacement rib arrives from Vans on the VS.

Using the flat head in the squeezer isn't an issue but suggested in future I use concave head as that's what its meant for. I'm really pleased tonight and will head off to work with a smile on my face.

[Mich48041]

LAA Inspector has been over tonight and signed off the VS Frame and the Rudder Frame

That is good news, Jason. Drilling out rivets is no fun.
Joe