Tail Instructions

f14rio · #1 05-23-2006, 09:04 PM

The very first page of the instructions for the tail include a reference to "enlarging to #19" and something further down about #12. I am thinking these refer to drill size but then Van's shows nothing about those drill bit sizes on the required tools for the emp. Are the instructions referring to drill size or something I don't understand (yet). If drill size then I need to order some more tools...

Just wondering... getting a feel for the instructions before the kit arrives. (I order it on Friday - woo hoo!!! can't wait btw)

dan · #2 05-23-2006, 09:40 PM

Those are indeed referring to numbered drill sizes. Here's a really good (imho) reference on drill sizes: http://www.rvproject.com/drillsize/

Ever thought about taking a SportAir RV Assembly Workshop? It would teach you everything you need to know to be productive with your kit right out of the gate.

briand · #3 05-23-2006, 10:03 PM

You will need a #12 and #19 for the emp.. Get a few, I liked using the #12 for deburring and they go dull quick.

Scott Will · #4 05-24-2006, 06:45 AM

If you stick with the project, I'd highly recommend getting one of those 115-pc complete drill set with all the sizes. There'll be plenty of times to use drills that are in between sizes for various tasks.

Harbor Freight sells a cheap set that I've been using with success. You only need the HSS (high speed steel) variety for the types of materials we deal with on the plane.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=32928

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #5 05-24-2006, 07:12 AM

Seconding Dan's recommendation on the workshop. Also, spend some time leafing through Avery, Cleaveland and Aircraft Spruce catalogs. There's more there than just stuff to buy.

f14rio · #6 05-24-2006, 03:56 PM

Thanks for info!

I have considered going to a build class but have elected to try it on my own. There are a number of active RV builders out at my local EAA chapter so I think I will be fine if I run into any problems.

I also did the practice kits ... actually, 2 of the control surface kits and 1 of the tool boxes. Learned quite a bit on the first two and applied that to the last one and it turned out quite nice.

osxuser · #7 05-24-2006, 09:34 PM

It's all good. The #19 should really be drilled to #21 (the bigger numbers are smaller). I'm not really sure what Vans was thinking with the larger size. #21 is the correct size for the 5/32 rivet not #19.

cjensen · #8 05-24-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f14rio

There are a number of active RV builders out at my local EAA chapter so I think I will be fine if I run into any problems.

Yep! We'll take care of ya Larry!

alpinelakespilot2000 · #9 05-25-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osxuser

It's all good. The #19 should really be drilled to #21 (the bigger numbers are smaller). I'm not really sure what Vans was thinking with the larger size. #21 is the correct size for the 5/32 rivet not #19.

I think the #19 drill that Van's and f14rio mention is for the #8 screws, not rivets. At least that's what my Cleaveland catalog pull out chart indicates. Are there any 5/32 rivets in any RV project these days anyway?

cjensen · #10 05-25-2006, 10:00 AM

Speaking of charts...is the Cleveland chart you are referring to giving you the proper drill to use for whatever screw, bolt, or rivet? I've been looking for something to hang on my wall that will give me the right size drill to use for the proper hole.

I have the aircraft standards handbook, but I couldn't find any chart in there. Am I blind?