First Rivet

cyberpilot10 · #1 05-08-2009, 11:58 AM

I read all the first mile stone post in the forums and the show the status of your kit... I have never been able to post in those threads unless you want to see another picture of an emp kit in the box. Today is finally the day. After spending a little time with Bob Avery at sun-n-fun and a little money, I now can begin my emp kit that I have had for a year or so....I remember the feeling I got when the emp kit showed up at the door. I was so excited to begin, and then LIFE set in. I did write something on the box when I got it.
SUN-N-FUN OR BUST 2010,
I now realize that I must have ment the emp only. lol
So today is the day.

Going to the shop !!!!!!!!!

as Vlad told me, at least one thing on the plane a day even if it is reading the plans for the next step. I will try to do just that !

N941WR · #2 05-08-2009, 12:03 PM

Great news and good luck!

May I suggest you start on the VS first? The first rivet you drive on the HS is very difficult to get to and is best driven after you have a little practice. Also, the VS is easier to build and will help you build up some confidence in yourself and your tools.

newtech · #3 05-08-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberpilot10

Going to the shop !!!!!!!!!

as Vlad told me, at least one thing on the plane a day even if it is reading the plans for the next step. I will try to do just that !

Every journey starts with a first step. 6,161 builders before us took this same step and are now flying.

When I set my first rivet I signed the edge of my H jig with the date and a thank you to my wife. When I disassembled the jig, after my empennage and wings were complete, I cut out the piece; it now has a place of honour sitting on my book shelf. For me that day was August 31, 2001.

Enjoy the journey.

Vlad · #4 05-08-2009, 04:17 PM

WE WANT PICTURE of THAT FIRST RIVET!!! With fingerprints! How will we know that YOU riveted that first rivet, not Ken or Jay Pratt. That first rivet will make a history for your boys.

Picture please and good luck,

osxuser · #5 05-08-2009, 06:35 PM

I agree on the VS.... I built it in a day, and didn't screw anything on it up....

cyberpilot10 · #6 05-08-2009, 10:38 PM

I did it !!!!!!! well not on the emp... Vlad got me a practice kit from the sheet metal shop at sun-n-fun. So Against my better judgment I started on that. I am glad that I did. I got both skins debured and dimpled. and the two stiffners riveted to the skins. I got to play with the different rivet sets and decided which one I liked best. (also got to drill out a couple of rivets) don't tell no one I messed up a shop head or two...Thanks for the kit vlad. It also made me relize I need a couple more tools to dimple the two end ribs. Vise Grip with the 3/32 die's welded to them.....

cyberpilot10 · #7 05-08-2009, 10:41 PM

I will post a pic of the first rivet if I can find it. It has a hole in it, looks like a drill bit might have fell on it while it was turning. lol

cyberpilot10 · #8 05-09-2009, 10:54 AM

one of these 4 rivets is the first one. oh well..... Im sure there will be more just like them

Rich

Danny King · #9 05-11-2009, 07:16 AM

Remember.................you are building an airplane not a watch! It doesn't have to keep time, only fly! Building the Doll was an incredible life change adventure. You might find that building your RV will be the same. Good luck and have fun.

Maxrate · #10 05-11-2009, 02:45 PM

Cyberpilot,

The practice kit looks like it's coming along real fine. I just completed mine. Be sure to read Sect 5H for step 7 on the trailing edge. Mine turned out a little wavey.

BTW for all you guys that have finished the empenage, just how do you get the trailing edges to turn out straight?