New builders: Skin Dimpling, important!!

Ok. I learned something that I thought was important
To share. You veteran builders I'm sure are aware.
Upon dimpling my side skin on the fuse ,032 thickness. I realized the importance of proper dimpling. That is if you want a nice look on the skins with no deflection around the hole. On the first go around I put the skin
In place to cleco and saw a lot of deflection around the holes or concave.
The holes along the edge that I dimpled with a pneumatic squeezer did not
Have the problem. It seemed the more force used in creating the dimple the better.
I returned the skin to my dimple table and proceeded to wack harder with the hammer and c frame. I was using a rubber malet. First mistake.
I had the dimple table on a wood bench. Second mistake.
On the third go around when I put the table on a firm surface and switched to a steel hammer, the problem was solved. A perfect dimple
With perfect straight skin around it. HUGE difference. After you rivet
And there seems to be a slight concave around the rivet, it may not be a
A problem with the riveting!

or get a DRDT-2 and avoid these issues altogether (new builders)

Flange alignment plays a big part in eliminating that "concave" appearance. Using a tungsten bucking bar allows you to dial the air down even more and that will improve the appearance of the riveting. Also the quality of the dimple dies. I am using Kim Goldens super CNC die set. I used his regular CNC set on my first RV-10. I told him how pleased I was and included some pictures and he sent me his new and improved die set to try..I can tell you it does make a difference. The set includes every die you will need to build an RV pluss some small diameter dies that fit well into tight spaces. He is a great guy, all the stuff is made by him in the good ole USA. I also have one of the pneumatic squeezers he sells. I don't have any financial interest in his company. Found him on Van's tool suppliers list years ago.


http://www.rivettools.com/Page9.html

bkthomps said:

or get a DRDT-2 and avoid these issues altogether (new builders)

Click to expand...

... which also needs to be adjusted properly. I love my DRDT-2, but if you browse through the archives you'll find lots of reports of underdimpling. Adjusted correctly it produces crisp and consistent results.

Agree

hendrik said:

... which also needs to be adjusted properly. I love my DRDT-2, but if you browse through the archives you'll find lots of reports of underdimpling. Adjusted correctly it produces crisp and consistent results.

Click to expand...

I will second that observation and precaution. An excellent tool once adjusted with the proper preload.

hendrik said:

... which also needs to be adjusted properly. I love my DRDT-2, but if you browse through the archives you'll find lots of reports of underdimpling. Adjusted correctly it produces crisp and consistent results.

Click to expand...

Agreed...I've done this when I wasnt paying close enough attention. Look for a nice 'witness' line circle when you are getting a good set.