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  #31  
Old 03-08-2015, 10:24 AM
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acam37 acam37 is offline
 
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Location: Lufkin Tx
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Default

Here in East Tx. my access to specialized tools are limited to non-existant. There are a few builders and A&P guys but they are not too happy to loan tools. I do have a C-Frame that I built. It has worked great for dimpling and back riveting small items. I guess I could give it a shot on a test piece to see if it will hold up to a big hammer.
The rest of the plane is finished except for a little fiberglassing and a few trim items that can be done later. But the major airframe repairs are done. The engine is still in pieces, but we have everything to put it back together.
As for the wing, all that's left is pounding (75) 3/16 rivets and about(500) 3/32. Since the bottom skin was off I also rebuilt the rear spar attach bracket so we have a clean slate to drill the rear spar holes without having to match drill existing holes.
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  #32  
Old 03-08-2015, 09:54 PM
Christopher Murphy Christopher Murphy is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: colorado
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Default rent one

Vans used to rent out or loan out a big squeezer to guys to use when building the spar. Not sure now that probably nobody builds the spar anymore.

cm
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  #33  
Old 03-11-2015, 06:31 PM
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acam37 acam37 is offline
 
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Default Rivet gun

Who would have thought how difficult it is to find a 6x rivet gun? A local A&P who is also an RV-4 owner had a big rivet gun but could not find it. I struck out everywhere else also. I don't want to buy a gun to drive just a few rivets, but I may not have a choice. I tried my home built C-frame on a test piece but it won't work. So I guess I am dead in the water until I can get those rivets pounded. I did locate a 4x gun, but not sure if it is strong enough.
People don't build their own spars anymore.
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  #34  
Old 03-11-2015, 06:44 PM
BillL BillL is online now
 
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Location: Central IL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by acam37 View Post
Who would have thought how difficult it is to find a 6x rivet gun? A local A&P who is also an RV-4 owner had a big rivet gun but could not find it. I struck out everywhere else also. I don't want to buy a gun to drive just a few rivets, but I may not have a choice. I tried my home built C-frame on a test piece but it won't work. So I guess I am dead in the water until I can get those rivets pounded. I did locate a 4x gun, but not sure if it is strong enough.
People don't build their own spars anymore.
I sent you a PM via email. Did you get it?
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  #35  
Old 03-11-2015, 06:51 PM
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Andrew M Andrew M is offline
 
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Location: Secluded Lake,Alaska (AK49)
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Default Should work

Try shooting the normal way, if that doesn't work, shoot them backwards (gun on the shop side). When a gun is "marginal" for power, momentum of the bar bouncing is just as important as it's mass. You will be able to hear the gun hit twice and the bar once if you listen for it (holding to loose).
If you shoot them backwards, the rivet set should be backed up on a concrete slab so it doesn't move at all. Holding the set in a block of wood works well. A back rivet set will help maintain control.
Good luck!
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  #36  
Old 03-11-2015, 07:49 PM
gasman gasman is offline
 
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Location: Sonoma County
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You might look into the process of of annealing the rivets before installation. In this case, it might be worth the effort doing the research.
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  #37  
Old 03-11-2015, 08:14 PM
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acam37 acam37 is offline
 
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I don't think annealing or heating the rivets would be wise in a spar application. I would be afraid it would drastically change the shear properties of the rivet thus compromise the integrity of the spar. I think I will go ahead and try the 4x gun that a friend has offered to lend me. Im not going to let 65 rivets shut me down. Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement.
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  #38  
Old 03-11-2015, 08:29 PM
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Gregg Brightwell Gregg Brightwell is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Benton, Kansas
Posts: 259
Default Dang Arlie.....

If I had a gun that would work for you, I'd ship it to you tomorrow. I borrowed a 10x gun when I built mine. That thing was like a jack hammer....

Wish I could help.

I have family in Ft worth. Next time I go see them, I might have to detour your way.

Take care and good luck.

Gregg
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  #39  
Old 03-11-2015, 09:57 PM
xavierm xavierm is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 464
Default Check PM's

Check PM. Sent a possible solution.
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  #40  
Old 03-11-2015, 10:54 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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Location: Hubbard Oregon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher Murphy View Post
Vans used to rent out or loan out a big squeezer to guys to use when building the spar. Not sure now that probably nobody builds the spar anymore.

cm
It doesn't get rented very often any more, but it is still available.
If interested, call the office at Van's.
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