[Av8torTom]

Anyone have any advice on how to dimple the elevator skin where it attaches to the spar? I'm about to order a pop rivet gun dimple set.

Thanks

 

[Mel]

I've built at least 5 flush riveted aluminum airplanes using nothing but the pop-rivet dimpler.

 

[terrye]

C-frame

I have used a C-frame (from any of Avery, Cleaveland, etc.) for the middle row of dimples in a skin sheet. Works very well and I think much faster than a pop rivet dimple die set.

 

[SmittysRV]

I agree with Mel on the pop-rivet dimpler. I've used mine a LOT!

 

[krw5927]

I threw a few pieces of scrap carpet (carpet samples work great) inside the skin, then set the c-frame dimpler on top of the carpet. Worked great and allowed for one-person dimpling.

 

[Av8torTom]

From the outside?

Ahhh, so you put the male die in the upper rod and dimpled from the outside?

 

[flion]

You could do it that way, I suppose. I found it handier to keep the male die in the frame. I was able to get all but the forward-most dimpled pretty easily though you have to be careful not to let either the hammer or the tool scratch the inner skin. With effort, I was able to do the last couple of rivets nearest the bend; three or four hands help - have someone hold the skin open while you manipulate the dimpling tool and hammer. I used the dies in a hand squeezer wherever it would reach. The -9 is not that different from the -6.

 

[Av8torTom]

Pop rivet dimplers

Ordered them today - I think it's really the only way to be sure I get nice clean dimples without risking creasing the skin. Thanks all.

T.

 

[krw5927]

Exactly

Ahhh, so you put the male die in the upper rod and dimpled from the outside?

Exactly what I did. Worked very well. I have the pop rivet dimplers for both 3's and 4's, and elected to use this method instead. I never thought of the c-frame as a one-way sort of tool where the male die had to be on the bottom for any reason.

 

[marttibenson]

What do you all use for the mandrell in the pop riviter? I'm using the bronze colored shafts that came with the set but I only get 6-8 dimples before they break and I'm running out fast. I couldn't find anything at HD that had the right size or strong enough head. I like the pop-dimpler but I sure go through the nails.

 

[JHines]

What do you all use for the mandrell in the pop riviter? I'm using the bronze colored shafts that came with the set but I only get 6-8 dimples before they break and I'm running out fast. I couldn't find anything at HD that had the right size or strong enough head. I like the pop-dimpler but I sure go through the nails.

I use 6d steel finish nails, they seem to last longer.

 

[Av8torTom]

Finish Nails

My set actually came with finish nails... I had a tendency at first to squeeze too hard, but I soon realized that the elevator skin dimples quite easily without a lot of squeeze pressure and the nails hold-up pretty well.