Josh came over again on Saturday to help build in a workbench and install a new light, all of which will make tool organization and evening work possible. I spent some time on Sunday finishing the shelves underneath, cleaning & stowing some tools. Also finally got rid of most of the cardboard boxes from the move...I have a feeling I'll regret not keeping a few.
Workshop: 8hrs
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Tools
After reviewing a dizzying amount of tool options, prices & retailers, I opted to purchase tools individually rather than as a kit. I have several of the standard tools, and am hoping to find some good deals on inidividual tools as I need them.
A couple of the upgrades I chose to make include the DRDT2 and the Main Squeeze rivet squeezer through Cleaveland Aircraft Tool. The DRDT2 works extremely well, and I can see why it is so popular despite being priced at twice the cost of a comparable C-frame. The Main Squeeze is very accurate and comfortable to use, but still requires a fair bit of pressure - having never squeezed a rivet before, I have no reference for a classic style rivet squeezer.
My goal is to hand-squeeze as many of the rivets as I can reach, though I did purchase a 3x rivet gun set from Avery Tools (among others). Trolling the forums suggests this will get old quickly once I get to the wings, but I'm enjoying the novelty and any chance to not spent another chunk of cash (e.g. on a pneumatic squeezer) will surely help acceptance of the project with my better half.
A couple of other places I'm attempting to scrimp: I have several construction-grade cordless drills, so I am going to rely on these for now, one fitted with drill bits and the other with a deburring bit. See above for why I'm avoiding a pneumatic drill. My air compressor is woefully undersized at 2.5 gal, but after spending a large amount on tools thus far, I'm watching for prices on 26-60gal compressors to drop below $400, either for the holidays or on Craigslist. I won't be skinning many pieces before Jan-Feb anyhow.
The service has been exceptional from both Avery and Cleaveland, and while I haven't yet had the pleasure of ordering from the other tool suppliers, they seem to reinforce the terrific sense of community that seems so natural among the homebuilding set.
A couple of the upgrades I chose to make include the DRDT2 and the Main Squeeze rivet squeezer through Cleaveland Aircraft Tool. The DRDT2 works extremely well, and I can see why it is so popular despite being priced at twice the cost of a comparable C-frame. The Main Squeeze is very accurate and comfortable to use, but still requires a fair bit of pressure - having never squeezed a rivet before, I have no reference for a classic style rivet squeezer.
My goal is to hand-squeeze as many of the rivets as I can reach, though I did purchase a 3x rivet gun set from Avery Tools (among others). Trolling the forums suggests this will get old quickly once I get to the wings, but I'm enjoying the novelty and any chance to not spent another chunk of cash (e.g. on a pneumatic squeezer) will surely help acceptance of the project with my better half.
A couple of other places I'm attempting to scrimp: I have several construction-grade cordless drills, so I am going to rely on these for now, one fitted with drill bits and the other with a deburring bit. See above for why I'm avoiding a pneumatic drill. My air compressor is woefully undersized at 2.5 gal, but after spending a large amount on tools thus far, I'm watching for prices on 26-60gal compressors to drop below $400, either for the holidays or on Craigslist. I won't be skinning many pieces before Jan-Feb anyhow.
The service has been exceptional from both Avery and Cleaveland, and while I haven't yet had the pleasure of ordering from the other tool suppliers, they seem to reinforce the terrific sense of community that seems so natural among the homebuilding set.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Empennage Kit Inventory
We chose to do a slow-build kit to save money & get more hands-on experience for ourselves and our family and friends.
The empennage kit arrived from Van's ahead of schedule on Sept 27th (didn't even have our work tables built yet!) and it languished for almost 2 weeks before Erin & I could get out to inventory it. Half a dozen pieces weren't labeled, but all pieces were present & in good condition.
Man, they love duct tape.
Empennage - 1hr
The empennage kit arrived from Van's ahead of schedule on Sept 27th (didn't even have our work tables built yet!) and it languished for almost 2 weeks before Erin & I could get out to inventory it. Half a dozen pieces weren't labeled, but all pieces were present & in good condition.
Man, they love duct tape.
Empennage - 1hr
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Workshop
So the workshop is evolving; in moving this summer for work, we downsized from a large 3-car garage to a much smaller 2-car, which I've successfully negotiated into a no-car garage. We'll see if it lasts...
The shop is insulated, but lighting and outlet access are terrible. Thanks to a helpful neighbor I've upgraded one of the light fixtures, hope to swap the other 2 out soon, and will try to get by with daylight & a small well-lit area for now.
Like many others, I chose to build 2 EAA Chapter 1000 tables, and added 2" non-marking casters to both raise them up & make them easier to shift around by myself.
Two of my helpers can be seen above; the third was hard to catch standing still!
Workshop - 3.5hrs
Workshop - 3.5hrs
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Builder's Log
Howdy! (I learned that in Texas). This kicks off the build log for my RV-7 project. With a little bit of luck, the empennage kit sitting in my garage (plus a few odds & ends) will look like an airplane to the FAA sometime in the next 10 years.
Wish us luck, and drop me a note - I can use all the help I can get!
Wish us luck, and drop me a note - I can use all the help I can get!
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