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  #1  
Old 04-15-2011, 07:07 PM
cbrown747 cbrown747 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: palm harbor, fl
Posts: 51
Default What tool to use for dimpling?

My financee bought what they said was everything I needed to build both the practice tool kit and the airfoil practice kit. She bought these tools from cleveland tools after she told them what I was intending to do but I believe the hand sqeezer for dimpling(not sure what it is called) that has the c-shape end seems to be the tool I need although it seems quite expensive for something that simply dimples metal.

Can anybody tell me if there is anything other than this that I could use? I am aware of the c-shape table tool for dimpling and the pnematic squeezer(too expensive).

I will buy the hand sqeezer if this is what I need. Also is there a squeezer that I should stay clear from?
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  #2  
Old 04-15-2011, 07:18 PM
DanWright DanWright is offline
 
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Location: Ridgecrest, CA
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Squeezers are for actual riveting as well as dimpling. The Cleaveland tool is about the best out there.
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  #3  
Old 04-15-2011, 07:28 PM
Joe Parish Joe Parish is offline
 
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Location: Sioux Falls, SD
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The cleveland main squeeze is nice. I bought a used one off of this site. You can find cheaper ones, try Avery Tools or The yard store(yardstore.com) I believe they both have economy rivet squeezers (which also dimple as previously posted). Good luck
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  #4  
Old 04-15-2011, 08:02 PM
xavierm xavierm is offline
 
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 464
Default low cost

If you are measuring value in pure dollars, then you can get the "Close Quarters Die Set" from Cleveland. You can build an entire airplane with them; in fact, I know someone who did. However, it will take you much longer to do the same task compared to having the correct tool for the job.

You will find you need other tools besides ones offered in the kit. There are plenty of consumables you will go through too.

In the grand scheme of things, the tool investment to the project is just a small cost.

that being said, I love my DRDT-2. Superior over the c-frame imho. I have a hand squeezer, but my pneumatic squeezer gets 95% of the use over the hand squeezer.

Perhaps visit another builder or two and try out the different options.
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  #5  
Old 04-16-2011, 06:56 AM
cbrown747 cbrown747 is offline
 
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thanks for the replies
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  #6  
Old 04-16-2011, 07:17 AM
John R. Graham John R. Graham is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Alpharetta, GA
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The hand squeezer and pneumatic squeezer cannot dimple the interior of the skins: their throats aren't deep enough. The Close Quarters Die Set would drive you crazy: not meant for bulk dimpling. You're going to need (at least, desire strongly) some form of C-frame dimpler. The Avery C-Frame works just fine but the DRDT-2 is a work of art—admittedly, at twice the price—and is much easier on the ears (no hammering). Both produce good dimples.

- John

Last edited by John R. Graham : 04-16-2011 at 07:23 AM.
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  #7  
Old 04-16-2011, 08:17 AM
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Lemmingman Lemmingman is offline
 
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Location: McKinney, TX
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I have several tools I use for dimpling.

The DRDT-2 is, hands down, the way to go. Precise, quite, fast... best dimpling money I ever spent.

I have Cleaveland's tight fit fixture tool. https://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com/...mber=DIE4263DF

Does a very good job on tight fit areas. I consider this a "must have".
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  #8  
Old 04-16-2011, 12:35 PM
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agirard7a agirard7a is offline
 
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Location: Newport, RI
Posts: 705
Default C frame simpler dimpler.

I can't imagine dimpeling large skins without
a "C-frame". You can then buy the 12" back rivet tool
to use with the c frame. Does a great job!
Use a rubber mallet and it's softer on the ears.
Build a platform for the c frame to support the large skins.
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  #9  
Old 04-16-2011, 12:48 PM
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agirard7a agirard7a is offline
 
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Location: Newport, RI
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Default Squeezer

You need a squeezer!! Hand or pneumatic.
Al
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  #10  
Old 04-17-2011, 07:11 PM
cbrown747 cbrown747 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: palm harbor, fl
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I was watching a video 'rv builder basics' and the host mentioned the to use the c-frame dimpler you should build it into the workbench. In other words, modify the bench so that the bottom part of the c-frame is under the bench so that skins can lay flat while you perform the dimple operation.

Is this really necessary?
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