[60av8tor]

I'm still working on my practice kits getting comfortable with my tools before I begin my build. I read quite a bit of opinion on c-frame vs. DRDT. I got a DRDT with my tool kit and also purchased a used c-frame. I've tried many different adjustments on the DRDT, but do not get the quality dimples that I quite easily get with the c-frame. I've read where many folks say the dimples from a DRDT are as good as the c-frame, so I'm thinking that I don't have my DRDT adjusted properly. Any advice on adjusting the DRDT? This pic shows c-frame on the left and DRDT on the right. Kind of hard to see the difference in the pic - halos around the dimples on the right. It is much more noticeable in person.

 

[Ken Martin]

When you finish pulling on the handle do you feel it go over center and lock like a pair of Vice Grips?

 

[Jasonm]

Here is the link to setting up your DRDT.
http://www.experimentalaero.com/DRDT-2 Manual & Drawings.pdf

Read the part in bold about not being able to over dimple.

Are you using the same die set as your c-frame?

 

[60av8tor]

When you finish pulling on the handle do you feel it go over center and lock like a pair of Vice Grips?

It does go over center, but it does not lock - handle will release when I let go of it.

 

[60av8tor]

Here is the link to setting up your DRDT.
http://www.experimentalaero.com/DRDT-2 Manual & Drawings.pdf

Read the part in bold about not being able to over dimple.

Are you using the same die set as your c-frame?

Thanks, Jason. I set up per those instructions and have gone beyond the 1/4 past flush thinking it was under dimpled. Yes, same dies used in both.

 

[-goose]

I have quite a bit of preload on mine I think, it's many years since I set it up. With no material between them, once the dies contact each other the end of the handle has a further 2.5" to travel to the stop. I have no complaints about my dimples, they're very crisp.

 

[rleffler]

It does go over center, but it does not lock - handle will release when I let go of it.

It won't lock, but you should also see the arm move upwards ever so slightly.

bob

 

[Ken Martin]

It won't lock, but you should also see the arm move upwards ever so slightly.

bob

I have mine set up to lock every time. I can let go and it stays compressed. Not a bad dimple yet.

 

[60av8tor]

Thanks, gents. I?ve messed around with various ram distances ? up to the point of not being able get the handle to fully close. I?ve continually increased the pressure thinking that my results looked under-dimpled, and per the instructions that state you cannot under dimple with the DRDT. The owner sent me a PM and I will discuss further with him. I am sure the issue is one of operator error. Thanks for the advice.

 

[longranger]

Thanks, gents. I?ve messed around with various ram distances ? up to the point of not being able get the handle to fully close. I?ve continually increased the pressure thinking that my results looked under-dimpled, and per the instructions that state you cannot under dimple with the DRDT. The owner sent me a PM and I will discuss further with him. I am sure the issue is one of operator error. Thanks for the advice.

The instructions state that you can't OVERdimple. You most certainly CAN underdimple.

 

[BillL]

Assuming the dies are the same pieces you use on the c frame, are the dies square on the DRD2 when the lever is down? Maybe shims are needed on the head?

I just did some dimples with the hand riveter and it did not take a lot of force. The rivets set nicely and don't seem to have a distortion around the perimeter. So just wondering about other geometry and factors, not just force.

 

[60av8tor]

Thanks, Miles - I meant what you wrote

Bill - good thinking, I'll check that out.

 

[spaceflightmeow]

The DRDT instructions do say to add a quarter turn to the ram past initial interference on the dies. Are people adding significantly more turns than that?