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  #1  
Old 02-25-2015, 05:21 PM
blueisthenewblack blueisthenewblack is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 12
Default Aspiring RV-14A builder, looking to connect with Portland area builders

Hi all,

I'm planning on building an RV-14A. I've taken a test flight in the RV-14A at the Van's factory and I purchased the RV sheet metal training project and toolbox kit while I was there. I'm building the standard EAA workbench but I've yet to bite the bullet on the sheet metal tools.

I'm looking to connect with other builders in the Portland area. Specifically, I'm hoping someone might be generous enough to invite me to their shop and spend a weekend morning building one of the practice kits. That way I can make an informed decision on rivet guns, pneumatic squeezers, etc., and check out a shop setup.

I'm based out of Twin Oaks (got my PPL there about four years ago). If anyone is looking to partner on a fresh build or already in progress RV-14A, I'd be interested in that as well. I've attended several EAA 105 breakfasts and a handful of meetings over the past couple years but haven't connected with too many folks yet.

Build space is my main hurdle. I don't have a garage, but a nearby neighbor/friend offered me his. (I don't know how long he would remain my friend after using a rivet gun, though). There is an industrial district nearby my home that I'm sure I could find some shop space in. Or if I found a partner with suitable build space, maybe we could use that.

I spoke with Bob at Twin Oaks and he will let you use a hangar to build so long as its done in a year (he doesn't want projects lingering in the hangars for 5-6 years). I would like to build the wings and possibly parts of the empennage close to home (even in my living room if needed), then move to Twin Oaks to do the fuselage, assembly, finishing, etc.

On the RV-14A, the empennage kit comes with the tail cone. Can you build the horizontal stabilizer and rudder separate from the tail cone, and store the tail cone to build later? (I'm asking due to the above space options).

Can you do most of the wings with a pneumatic squeezer instead of a loud rivet gun? (Again, just considering due to space options).

Edit: To clarify, I haven't purchased any of the kits for the RV-14A yet.

Thanks!
Stephen

Last edited by blueisthenewblack : 02-26-2015 at 03:41 PM.
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  #2  
Old 02-25-2015, 05:37 PM
MeAndMyToys MeAndMyToys is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hillsboro,OR
Posts: 136
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Welcome, I'm building an RV-7 in Hillsboro. Your welcome to come by and take a look. I should be fitting the wings to the fuse for the first time this weekend. Just send me a PM if your interested.
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  #3  
Old 02-25-2015, 07:00 PM
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BruceEicher BruceEicher is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wilsonville/Aurora KUAO Oregon
Posts: 746
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Hi Stephen,

You can add me to your list of hangers to visit, have tools and willing to build a tool box or more.

I'll be the cashier at EAA chapter 105 breakfast @ twin oaks first Saturday of March coming up.

My link is below...
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  #4  
Old 02-26-2015, 09:06 AM
hardtop hardtop is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Albany, Oregon
Posts: 2
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Consider taking the fundamentals class at Synergy Air in Eugene. I would really give you a good start.
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  #5  
Old 02-26-2015, 09:17 AM
Mike S's Avatar
Mike S Mike S is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
Default Welcome to VAF!

Stephen, welcome aboard the good ship VAF.

Quote:
Originally Posted by blueisthenewblack View Post

On the RV-14A, the empennage kit comes with the tail cone. Can you build the horizontal stabilizer and rudder separate from the tail cone, and store the tail cone to build later? (I'm asking due to the above space options).
Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by blueisthenewblack View Post
Can you do most of the wings with a pneumatic squeezer instead of a loud rivet gun? (Again, just considering due to space options).

Thanks!
Stephen
The squeezers---either hand operated, hydraulic, or pneumatic have to rely on a yoke for the back side of the rivet. The yoke seriously limits the distance from the edge of a part you can reach-------typically a 3" or so throat is as large as you can get----too much more and the yoke deforms during use. The rivet gun and bucking bar have no such restriction.

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VAF 909

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Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

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  #6  
Old 02-26-2015, 11:43 AM
blueisthenewblack blueisthenewblack is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MeAndMyToys View Post
Welcome, I'm building an RV-7 in Hillsboro. Your welcome to come by and take a look. I should be fitting the wings to the fuse for the first time this weekend. Just send me a PM if your interested.
PM sent, thank you!!
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  #7  
Old 02-26-2015, 11:44 AM
blueisthenewblack blueisthenewblack is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceEicher View Post
Hi Stephen,

You can add me to your list of hangers to visit, have tools and willing to build a tool box or more.

I'll be the cashier at EAA chapter 105 breakfast @ twin oaks first Saturday of March coming up.

My link is below...
Awesome, I'll plan on being there. Looking forward to meeting you then!
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  #8  
Old 02-26-2015, 11:46 AM
blueisthenewblack blueisthenewblack is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hardtop View Post
Consider taking the fundamentals class at Synergy Air in Eugene. I would really give you a good start.
I probably will take this. I wanted to take the class this weekend actually but it's already full. I should sign up for the May class before it fills up as well .
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  #9  
Old 02-26-2015, 11:49 AM
blueisthenewblack blueisthenewblack is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike S View Post
The squeezers---either hand operated, hydraulic, or pneumatic have to rely on a yoke for the back side of the rivet. The yoke seriously limits the distance from the edge of a part you can reach-------typically a 3" or so throat is as large as you can get----too much more and the yoke deforms during use. The rivet gun and bucking bar have no such restriction.
That makes perfect sense.. thanks! I'm still looking at space options. Looks like finding space that can handle a loud rivet gun is a must.
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  #10  
Old 02-26-2015, 11:56 AM
Mike S's Avatar
Mike S Mike S is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
Default

Also, noise wise-------DRDT2 is a lot quieter than a "C" frame for doing dimples.

http://www.experimentalaero.com/

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/C-Fram.../#.VO9s6i6uh_A
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Mike Starkey
VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.

"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."

Last edited by Mike S : 02-26-2015 at 11:59 AM.
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