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  #21  
Old 12-28-2011, 01:33 PM
newamiga newamiga is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Barneveld, NY
Posts: 189
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I ordered the Cleveland tools RV-12 tool kit and it had most of the things I have needed including the skinny dimple die you will need for tight spots. I also purchased an additional cleco pliers. If you plan to have help working on the wings or other parts it is great to have a cheap extra pair of these. As you can see there are many opinions on things like rivet guns etc. I am a first time builder and this forum has really helped me. Also if you haven't taken it, the EAA RV Builders weekend course is great for initial sheet metal instruction as well as an intro into how Van's does their plans.

Carl
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  #22  
Old 12-28-2011, 04:46 PM
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MartySantic MartySantic is offline
 
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The tools from Avery Tools are very good. Bob Avery stands behind each and every one of them should you have ANY problem. The RV-12 tool set that Avery offers is most complete. Take a look at their website.
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  #23  
Old 12-28-2011, 05:43 PM
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engineerofsorts engineerofsorts is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 306
Default Cleaveland vs Avery

Having used both, one marked difference to me between Avery and Cleaveland tools is the hand rivet squeezer. The Cleaveland "Main Squeeze" has a camming mechanism which seems to me to make the squeezing much easier. I'm sure this will kick of a debate, however... Bob Avery and his crew are very nice to work with, though...
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  #24  
Old 12-28-2011, 07:02 PM
meadeduck meadeduck is offline
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Posts: 220
Default Necessary tools...

I could recommend two 'butt-saver" tools; a Dremel-type tool, and something called a 'snake'. It's a flexible shaft drill with an 'L-head' at the end, for drilling in really tight places and drilling out rivets that you might screw up on...speaking from personal experience. Just ask George, my building partner.
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N612RV kit # 16
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  #25  
Old 12-28-2011, 08:12 PM
DanWright DanWright is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 126
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Quote:
Originally Posted by engineerofsorts View Post
Having used both, one marked difference to me between Avery and Cleaveland tools is the hand rivet squeezer. The Cleaveland "Main Squeeze" has a camming mechanism which seems to me to make the squeezing much easier. I'm sure this will kick of a debate, however... Bob Avery and his crew are very nice to work with, though...
I agree about the Main Squeeze, and there are a few unique tools from every vendor that are great to have. For example, I really prefer the Visegrip based edge break tool, but there two places on the 12 where you have to use the disc tool.

Winter has not been so long that we need to start a "Tool War" along side of Primer War (did anyone else hear the cute comment about that on the new Vans phone system?)
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  #26  
Old 12-29-2011, 06:06 AM
Dave12 Dave12 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Elkton, Md.
Posts: 1,652
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You can't beat the geometry of the main squeeze. It is an excellent tool, probably the best on the market. The beauty of the pneumatic squeezer aside from it's speed is it is operated with one hand. It does cost several hundred more but it is very handy.
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  #27  
Old 12-29-2011, 02:38 PM
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MacPara MacPara is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 461
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The poor creator of this thread just said "Hi" as a new builder and you guys just swamp him with a reiteration of what additional tools he might need. I'm sure he would find this through the search engine under a much better named topic than "new builder" as I remember we have extensively discussed these additional tools beyond Van's tools list and we also compared Avery's and Cleveland toolkits to the point where it just "ain't funny anymore".
So, let me say Hi to the new builder and refrain from any unsolicited suggestions. I hope you'll enjoy the build!
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  #28  
Old 12-29-2011, 03:22 PM
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gblwy gblwy is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Perth, Scotland
Posts: 494
Default Welcome

The last post just beat me. Our newcomer said he didn't want to spend too much on tools and we get 20 posts telling him all the extras to buy.

Start with the recommended minimum from the Vans plans. Expensive tools like band saws are unnecessary. The cheapest pillar drill is just fine for the number of time you will use it.

As many folk have said before "you can never have too many tools" but if you are working to a budget you don't need the best, or two of everything...

Cheers...Keith
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  #29  
Old 12-29-2011, 06:08 PM
Dave12 Dave12 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Elkton, Md.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRo View Post
Open to all advice....Thank you.
This is what he said. Just saying.
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Wag Aero Sport Trainer built,sold and wrecked
N588DF RV12 #336 built, sold and alive and well in New York
N73DF RV12 #244 built, sold and alive and well in Florida
N91 RV RV9 I wish I could say I built this one! Mark Santoleri hit the ball out of the park on this gem.
Currently restoring a 1978 Citabria GCBC
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  #30  
Old 12-29-2011, 06:25 PM
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Bill_H Bill_H is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Marshall TX (KASL)
Posts: 1,783
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Hmmm - doing this kit without a small bandsaw is an exercise in masochism. A deburring BIT for a power screwdriver (not a drill) will also be a most-used tool. An electric high-speed drill (Sears, not expensive, 2500 rpm) will work just fine if you do not have a pneumatic. I actually preferred the electric to the pneumatic to avoid the noisy air compressor cycle. The Harbor freight tap and die set is a good choice - pay the extra $10 for the forged set, not the cheaper one.
Advice is like a drink. It only affects you if you take it. I am SO thankful for the advice that was waiting for me on this forum and the SEARCH function is invaluable. A couple of days spent doing NOTHING but reading this forum would save more than that during the build! Also reading some of the great construction blogs one will find mentioned - reading Schmetterling and Marty's was what made the decision for me to build the kit - because I could see that experienced people had already dealt with almost all of the issues.
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