Van's Practice Kit help

aviationgeek84 · #1 07-29-2009, 08:01 AM

I am finishing up the practice kit that Van's sells - the airfoil project. I am to the point where I need to set some tight rivets - the plans call for making a bucking bar out of mild steel - but I was wondering if anyone had done this a different way? Is there an easier way to do this that may help me down the road as well?

Thanks for any advice.

Auburntsts · #2 07-29-2009, 08:06 AM

I've used a chisel before. Works OK, but those tight rivets are always a bit of a bear. If you are an EAA member, check this video out on the technique: http://link.brightcove.com/services/...tid=5337092001

aviationgeek84 · #3 07-29-2009, 08:21 AM

Todd,

Thanks for the video link... can't believe I missed that. Perhaps that will work for this situation.

Auburntsts · #4 07-29-2009, 08:36 AM

No sweat. For what it's worth, IMO that kit (if it is still not pre-punched) is way harder than working on the real thing. So, if you feel confident after working on the practice kit, you'll be good-to-go on any RV-- get that tail kit ordered!

aviationgeek84 · #5 07-29-2009, 08:46 AM

It actually is pre-punched, but I've been reading through my preview plans and I think there is more detail in those instructions than in the practice kit. :P

Thanks again!

larrynew · #6 07-29-2009, 08:54 AM

I've tried at least half-a-dozen ways of riveting in tight spaces and by far the easiest and best results (for me) is backriveting with my modified 60 degree rivet set. The only thing I have to be careful of is keeping the bottom of the set parallel with the back rivet plate so the heel of the set doesn't ding my back rivet plate.

I modified this one on my grinder. Got it off that giant auction site for $2 + $5 shipping!

ken westlund · #7 07-29-2009, 12:17 PM

in those tight areas like that we also used tape to hold the rivets in place.
I agree with auburntsts. get the tail kit. be realistic about how long its going to take to complete the kit. we are in our 6th year with probably another year to go. but we also haven't been on it full time. my advice is to use all the resourses at your disposal. read the forums here and look at other peoples build sites. we have picked up alot of helpfull tricks and tips when you get frustrated and stumped.
good luck
-K-

aviationgeek84 · #8 07-29-2009, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Yes - the tail kit is around the corner. I'm playing around with this practice kit so I can make the mistakes there, but I have read many builder sites and it seems that the tail kit may be easier in many cases than these practice kits.

aviationgeek84 · #9 08-01-2009, 08:47 PM

OK... so I've tried the technique as shown in the EAA videos, but am not having much luck. I don't think I have the right type of steel...

Where does everyone else come up with their steel? In the video, he is using what is essentially a "mini" back riveting plate. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for all of the suggestions thus far!

pierre smith · #10 08-02-2009, 05:47 AM

...can also be ground down smooth and the thickness of the jaw that goes into the tight place ground down. Then you simply squeeze the rivet.

Regards,