Building Observations of a Newbie

Don Jones · #1 10-08-2008, 03:03 PM

I have now been working on my 9 long enough to comment about a few
things.

Pneumatic squeezers rock! -- I find myself trying to squeeze everything possible. Use it for dimpling ribs and what ever else I can get it to do.

Tungsten bucking bars are so worth the money-- I finally got to try mine out on 1 of the leading edges today. Awesome!! Small but heavy and works like a dream. Maybe I won't hate the rivet gun so

Reamers on pre-punched holes-- I bought a couple of reamers just to try. They make the de-burring process so much easier than drilling. Usually only the back side of the hole has anything to de-burr.

Oh, and the #1 observation---there is no such thing as owning too many cleco's!!!

Jamie Aust · #2 10-08-2008, 03:31 PM

Another tool I have found to help is a cleco gun, makes 400 + cleco in or out no problem. Its also only about $70. Guess you have a DRDT2 ? if not ,why !!...LOL , building is so much fun with good tools.

Don Jones · #3 10-08-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie Aust

Another tool I have found to help is a cleco gun, makes 400 + cleco in or out no problem. Its also only about $70. Guess you have a DRDT2 ? if not ,why !!...LOL , building is so much fun with good tools.

Yes, have a cleco gun and the DRDT-2. Dang left the DRDT-2 off the list.
After beating on that stupid C-Frame for 1 HS skin the DRDT-2 is a must have.

BrentHumphreys · #4 10-11-2008, 06:40 AM

The Pneumatic Squeezer is nice, but it will earn you a membership in the "Extra Hole" or "Figure Eight" club.

I haven't used the pneumatic squeezer on a rivet since I bought the "Main Squeeze" from Cleveland. That and the DRDT are really good.

Just got the Tungsten Bar, and looking forward to it.

N208ET · #5 10-12-2008, 06:41 AM

There is alot to be said for having an assortment of good tools, but I have to say I admire the guys who have the ability to use what is around them and make it work, I wish I was one of those guys, give the the right tool.

Randy

Dave_Boxall · #6 10-12-2008, 02:35 PM

If you're building a tip-up remove the vinyl from the inside of the rear canopy before you fit it into the fuselage. It's impossible to remove the vinyl from behind that big channel.

Dave