RVG8tor
Well Known Member
OK I think I know what is wrong but I will ask the gallery. I started to rivet the stiffeners on to the rudder today and it has been giving me fits. I can't seem to consistently get them set straight. My back rivet set was too wide so I flattened one side, this allows me to get straight over top of the rivet. My back rivet plate is recessed in a 3/4" piece of MDF that is plenty big.
I tried to be careful and not deburr too much, but I think between drilling and deburring the holes have enlarged to the point that it is difficult to set a rivet straight. I have done one side of the rudder and quit. I am giving thought to ordering a new skin and set of stiffeners and try again. I am not sure I could get all the bad rivets out without trashing the skin. I did not have this trouble with the VS or HS so I am not sure what else to do. I was taught a trick at a building class that I guess is not an approved technique which is why I did not do this on my rudder. But this person would dimple the holes without drilling size, (just for the stiffener holes). I must say it made for nice rivets. I feel like I should have gone that route. My other thought if I get new parts is to drill to #41 in hopes the holes don't end up too large.
The first photo is to show how much room there is around the rivet, the other photo show some of the bad rivet. I think I would have to drill out at least 20% of the rivets on the side I have done. BTW, the practice project back rivets came out great, I don't know what is up with this!
What does it look like to you builders out there, are the holes too big and that is why my rivets are falling off? I am making a good effort at holding he rivet gun plumb and holding the rivet set with my fingers so that it does not move. Also, I ease into the set and tap a few time before going more heavy on the trigger, I have the gun set at 40 psi.
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
I tried to be careful and not deburr too much, but I think between drilling and deburring the holes have enlarged to the point that it is difficult to set a rivet straight. I have done one side of the rudder and quit. I am giving thought to ordering a new skin and set of stiffeners and try again. I am not sure I could get all the bad rivets out without trashing the skin. I did not have this trouble with the VS or HS so I am not sure what else to do. I was taught a trick at a building class that I guess is not an approved technique which is why I did not do this on my rudder. But this person would dimple the holes without drilling size, (just for the stiffener holes). I must say it made for nice rivets. I feel like I should have gone that route. My other thought if I get new parts is to drill to #41 in hopes the holes don't end up too large.
The first photo is to show how much room there is around the rivet, the other photo show some of the bad rivet. I think I would have to drill out at least 20% of the rivets on the side I have done. BTW, the practice project back rivets came out great, I don't know what is up with this!
What does it look like to you builders out there, are the holes too big and that is why my rivets are falling off? I am making a good effort at holding he rivet gun plumb and holding the rivet set with my fingers so that it does not move. Also, I ease into the set and tap a few time before going more heavy on the trigger, I have the gun set at 40 psi.
Thanks for any help or suggestions!