These are one of those things that once you buy one, you wonder how you managed without it. I'm just getting started in my build and glad I got one of these now.
I just got done with my Vertical Stabilizer and Rudder. I liked it. I sit at a computer a lot, so anything to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome works for me.
I think there are a bunch of tools that are nice to have - and i agree that this one falls into that category, along with my pneumatic squeezer.
I just got done with my Vertical Stabilizer and Rudder. I liked it. I sit at a computer a lot, so anything to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome works for me.
Wait until your wings and fuselage. You'll appreciate it then.
I remember waking up in the middle of the night once upon a time with an aching, absolutely aching right forearm. It took me two weeks of left handed clecoing to get over that. Afterwards, I alternated hands clecoing any time I was doing more than a handful of clecos.
For the the RV-10, especially, I am a big proponent of the pneumatic cleco runner. I still end up using the hand pliers all the time for small stuff assembly or tight areas. Plus, the hand pliers were all I had for my empennage and tailcone builds, so I still have the "Grip of Death."
My best tool purchase was a coote belt grinder (google it). Belt grinders are amazing. You can go from a super coarse grit belt to hog off metal at a frightening rate to a super fine to polish or even a felt polishing belt or scotchbright belt in seconds. I even grind my hss lathe tools on it.
I will never own another bench mounted disc sander.
I agree with you, Scott. I didn't purchase one as big as the one you got but I did manage to find this guy at Harbor Freight - works pretty well, especially in tight places.