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  #1  
Old 11-24-2011, 10:44 AM
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sbalmos sbalmos is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Liberty Twp, OH
Posts: 641
Default Mechanical dimpler other than DRDT-2?

The planning continues... Don't fear, I'm pretty much past the "can I build the plane?" part (a meeting last weekend in The Rats Nest with Mutha Jon and the other Rats was the last time I needed a "just start building the darn thing" talk). Now I'm on to collecting the tools that either my dad's workshop doesn't have, or I don't want to end up abusing his.

As I live in a condo, and will be doing much of the prep and construction either in the spare bedroom or garage, noise is a prime concern. I am all but set on getting a DRDT-2, even if I have to shell out for a new one, simply because I can dimple without whacking a loud hammer, but rather just pull down on a lever. For research and comparison purposes though, is there any other dimpler in the no-hammering-needed vein as the DRDT-2 that I could look at? Or is the DRDT-2 it?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 11-24-2011, 11:02 AM
JakeLewis22 JakeLewis22 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 212
Default

The DRDT-2 is the only one of its kind I've seen and it was well worth the investment. I'm a big time tool nut that never sells his used tools but I have seen several builders sell their DRDT-2 when they are finished using it.

You may save a few dollars by keeping an eye on the VAF Classifieds or if you're real lucky someone might see this forum string and offer theirs for sale.

Good luck!
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RV7 - N223J
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  #3  
Old 11-24-2011, 11:40 AM
fatherson fatherson is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 427
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I seem to recall Mel mentioning he built a whole airplane using only pop-rivet dimplers like this one from Avery:

http://www.averytools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1022

which would be cheap and quiet, but perhaps a bit tedious.

--
Stephen
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  #4  
Old 11-24-2011, 07:02 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
Default

Actually I've built 6 airplanes with a "pop-rivet" dimpler. That and a pair of vice-grip dimplers.

It's not a big deal, really. Later generations are just getting lazier.

And guess what! You will NEVER get an accidental extra hole.
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #5  
Old 11-24-2011, 09:25 PM
jimgreen jimgreen is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Vancouver island, BC Canada
Posts: 385
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And I bet you've got forearms like a gorilla. I don't think my infrastructure could take it. Oh wait, you've got an air driven pop riveter.
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RV7 tip up
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  #6  
Old 11-24-2011, 10:08 PM
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chevy chevy is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia, QLD
Posts: 41
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If money is not an issue

http://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com/p...umber=SHPD3400

You could always use one of these
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  #7  
Old 11-24-2011, 10:59 PM
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LeeM_2000 LeeM_2000 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: KS
Posts: 110
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I bought the DRDT head and built the frame. That was a fun project. I highly recommend this tool. I have the pop rivet dimpler also, but I don't really like using them as much since they are inefficient. I have three tools for dimpling. The pneumatic sqeezer, the DRDT and the pop rivet set and I use them pretty much in that order based on which works best for what I am dimpling.
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  #8  
Old 11-24-2011, 11:42 PM
thilokind thilokind is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Montabaur, Germany
Posts: 66
Default Made my own

I made my own dimpler similar like the DRDT. Welded a C-frame, made a pin on a friend's lathe, fabricated a simple lever system. All parts came from the hardware store. Total cost: less than $100 and 4 hours or so of work. Works pretty well. Send me your e-mail address and I can send you some pics.

Thilo
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  #9  
Old 11-25-2011, 05:42 AM
bscycleman bscycleman is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 57
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Mel,

Where did you find replacement nails for the pop rivet dimple set? I have searced all over with no luck. Either the nails are too short, or it is a finish nail with a small head.

Brian - Fellow Texan displaced in DC
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  #10  
Old 11-25-2011, 05:49 AM
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Jimboscr Jimboscr is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Adelaide South Australia, Australia
Posts: 193
Default Good tool

Hi Scott

The DRT2 is spot on for noise problems and neighbour concerns. I have one, along with the air squeezer and the pop rivet dimplers. The pop ones are needed if you can?t reach a hole (like in a narrow or tight fitting part) with any of the others. Efficient, quiet and easy to use.

Cheers

Jim
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