Why are factory set rivets better?

[erich weaver]

For those that used the Quickbuild option, if you do an honest, close comparison of the factory set flush rivets with rivets that you set yourself, dont you find that the factory ones look superior overall? There's nothing really wrong with mine - but they generally are just not as perfectly flush as the factory ones. I did a quick look around the airport at other RVs and it seems to be the case for others as well.

Im having my -7A painted now, and man, the paint goes over those factory rivets on the wing really nicely. You can still see that the rivet is there, but the paint perfectly bridges the skin-to-rivet contact. Not always the case for the rivets I set, although again, its acceptable, and seems to be similar to most other RVs I see.

I know that the factory guys have set far more rivets than I ever will, but can someone quantify the reasons why theirs are so darn consistently perfect? I think I would have a very hard time matching their quality no matter how careful I was.

erich

[asav8tor]

rivet tape

[alpinelakespilot2000]

If all you did all day was set rivets, you'd probably set them better too. It's much easier to be consistent when you have time to get in a rhythm.

However, that said, I was surprised when I went to Oshkosh 2006, looked at the RV7 quickbuild fuse that was there on display and returned thinking quite the opposite about the shopheads... that my SB riveting quality was probably not much, if any, worse, and I don't think that I'm any better than average at riveting. To be sure, I've got my share of bungled rivets, but so did the QB.

One thing that will really help the "flushness" of your rivets is either (1) backriveting or (2) using a solid rivet set. The swivel version will prevent big dents if yoiu get careless, but it does not as efficiently transfer the pounding of the rivet gun, thus providing more time for the rivet to get pushed out by the bucking bar before it sets.

[robertahegy]

My rivets were set every bit a well as any in my QB kit done by the factory. Properly prepped, dimpled and set there should be no difference. It just takes practice, patience and caring. My riveting experience was limited to what I learned in the RV assembly seminar and what I did on the plane I built.

Roberta

[DarylT]

I can promise you they dont use rivet tape on the Quickbuilds......

Its just a matter of doing all day everyday.

[Geico266]

Originally Posted by DarylT

Its just a matter of doing all day everyday.

Bingo. 10-12 hours a day.

[the_other_dougreeves]

Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000

If all you did all day was set rivets.....

... you'd be crazy enough to build your own airplane.

TODR

[noelf]

I believe that I have mastered the rivet process as well as anyone. But one of the items I have come to accept is it is important to have a "rivet buddy" who also shares your desire for the "perfect" rivet set. When I need a helper, I turn to my one-and-only rivet buddy. It truly does make a difference, and we do get consistent, excellent results.

I have had folks volunteer to help with driving or bucking, I just don't want to teach them on my ac. I am very willing to help them on their own projects...

[EastTXHills]

Originally Posted by DarylT

I can promise you they dont use rivet tape on the Quickbuilds......

I think they do, I used denatured alcohol to remove the slight residue outline of tape on the wing skin rivet lines.

[L.Adamson]

Scotch #811 removable tape in the blue box. Available at office supply stores. Perfect wing and fuselage rivets...........every time!

L.Adamson -- RV6A