Got the tools and the DRDT-2 Saturday evening. Fedex attempted delivery on Friday, but we weren't home from work yet so they left a delivery slip with "signature required" checked. I have to say that I'm not unhappy with the tool set. Pretty decent deal for $1900 when you consider that you get a DRDT included. All the hand tools are decent quality and the dimpling and riveting dies and sets are top notch Snap On industrial. Klein snips work well also. The rivet gun and drill are imports, but they are decent imports and work well. There were a couple items on back order. A rivet gauge, and both the pop rivet dimplers. Those are supposed to ship the 15th and I'm not starting the empennage until January so no big deal. Only thing I could fault the kit on is that the drills that they include are at least 6" long. I would probably add some shorter number 30's and 40's as the 6" long drills flex a little too much when drilling the skins. No problem for pre-punched holes, but might be an issue when drilling a new hole. Also, figure on getting a set of vise grip dimplers for tight quarters. That's about all I figure I'll need for the empennage at least. So for a few more bucks I'm completely in business. VERY good customer service from Isham's and very nice to talk to on the phone. I'd recommend this place.
I went ahead and built the practice kit from Van's this weekend. I have to say that I LOVE that DRDT. What a neat tool. I knocked out both the top and bottom skins (after prepping everything) in about a minute each. Smooth, completely consistent and quiet. If you are just starting, I can highly recommend getting the practice kit which makes a section of aileron. It's a very inexpensive way to learn how to do this stuff at only $35. Make your mistakes on something cheap is my motto! I'm going to order their tool box kit for one more practice project before the end of the month. Then, on to the empennage! Oh, and even though I've read about how much fun flying these things is, I had no idea how much fun it is to build this stuff! I didn't even know time was passing I was that involved in building. I have definately found a new hobby!