I'm getting ready to build a DRDT-2 style frame, and this question keeps popping in my mind.
I know the idea of squeezing with a DRDT-2 has been discussed before, and generally I believe the consensus is that the much higher force exerted by squeezing causes enough frame deflection that it is a bad idea.
Just for a minute, assume that you had a DRDT-2 style frame that was 10x or 100x (whatever it needs to be) stiffer, and that you could either attach your pneumatic or other heavy duty squeezer to it, and had everything aligned well etc. (We'll worry about if that is practical later. I'm going to do some FEA later to check this.) Based on the consistently excellent results that a squeezer can achieve with minimal talent from the user, along with the ability to do it with one person instead of needing a helper to buck, is there a reason you wouldn't use this to squeeze rivets where accessible? Seems like a no-brainer to me, but I'm just getting started with my first kit, so I'm admittedly a rookie.
Please omit "real men fly tail wheel aircraft", type comments. I know that using a gun and bucking bar is a skill that must be learned and used also. I just wonder why one wouldn't want to use a large c-frame if it were stiff enough, for less opportunities for "whoops I slipped and dented my skin" moments. There are around 17,000 rivets in an RV-7 from what I've read, so regrettable situations with a rivet gun seem inevitable, for a first timer at least.
Thanks,
I know the idea of squeezing with a DRDT-2 has been discussed before, and generally I believe the consensus is that the much higher force exerted by squeezing causes enough frame deflection that it is a bad idea.
Just for a minute, assume that you had a DRDT-2 style frame that was 10x or 100x (whatever it needs to be) stiffer, and that you could either attach your pneumatic or other heavy duty squeezer to it, and had everything aligned well etc. (We'll worry about if that is practical later. I'm going to do some FEA later to check this.) Based on the consistently excellent results that a squeezer can achieve with minimal talent from the user, along with the ability to do it with one person instead of needing a helper to buck, is there a reason you wouldn't use this to squeeze rivets where accessible? Seems like a no-brainer to me, but I'm just getting started with my first kit, so I'm admittedly a rookie.
Please omit "real men fly tail wheel aircraft", type comments. I know that using a gun and bucking bar is a skill that must be learned and used also. I just wonder why one wouldn't want to use a large c-frame if it were stiff enough, for less opportunities for "whoops I slipped and dented my skin" moments. There are around 17,000 rivets in an RV-7 from what I've read, so regrettable situations with a rivet gun seem inevitable, for a first timer at least.
Thanks,
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