Friday, March 23, 2012

New RV-12 Builder – Rivet Tool Question - VAF Forums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!
- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-12

Reply
Old 02-25-2012, 05:24 PM
 

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: Canton, Ohio

Posts: 4

DefaultNew RV-12 Builder – Rivet Tool Question


Well, I finally decided to stop setting on the fence. After many years of visiting the Van’s tent at Oshkosh and helping a friend pound together an RV-9A, I’ve decided it is now or never. An order for the RV-12 empennage and wing kits was placed earlier this week.

What sealed the deal for me was a visit to Schmetterling Aviation one rainy Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago. Dave was gracious enough to stop working on his RV-12 and took the time to show me around his production facility. After viewing Dave’s build, hearing his comments about the project and having the opportunity to look over Van’s instructions and drawings, I decided a 12 was on the horizon just in time for Spring thaw.

Before I ask my question, I want to express my gratitude to all the participants of this forum who have paved the way for those of us that are late starters. A big thanks to all of you who have discussed necessary tools, needed supplies, solutions for problems, along with helpful building tips. You have provided a wealth of knowledge for us new builders.

Now on to tools…. After reading the forums, I know I will need/want a pneumatic puller to accompany the hand puller for the pop rivets. However, I also want to procure a pneumatic squeezer as well … I know it is not a necessary tool, but I want one none the less.

The question, for those of you finished with your RV-12 or far enough along with your build to comment is … can all of the RV-12’s required squeezed rivets be done with a pneumatic squeezer with a 3” reach? I’m hoping to avoid purchasing a hand squeezer all together if possible.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

John

Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 06:00 PM
 

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Springville, UT

Posts: 275

Default


Welcome to VAF, John, and congratulations on ordering your kit. It sounds like you really did your homework, and maybe you've been lurking here awhile, so you know there's a great group of people here, eager to help. Someone experienced with the -12 will no doubt answer your question soon. Best wishes on your project.

--
Stephen

Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 06:23 PM
 

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: kansas

Posts: 103

Default


Quote:

Originally Posted by John-G View Post

The question, for those of you finished with your RV-12 or far enough along with your build to comment is … can all of the RV-12’s required squeezed rivets be done with a pneumatic squeezer with a 3” reach? I’m hoping to avoid purchasing a hand squeezer all together if possible.
John

I have finished all sheet metal kits with no hand squeezer. Pneumatic squeezer only and loved the tool.
__________________

Larry Vandegrift Rose Hill KS
172N Flying
RV12 #357 EAB 684RV reserved
Working on finish kit
VIKING POWER!!

Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 08:55 PM
Paris12Man's Avatar  

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Paris, TX

Posts: 148

DefaultPrivate message


I sent you a P.M.

__________________
Steve Garrett -903-272-5639, steve@scgarrett.com
N905RV
Flying - 64.5 hrs to date
Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 08:57 PM
DonFromTX's Avatar  

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: La Feria Texas

Posts: 1,363

Default


My experience was different from Larry, I used the pneumatic as well as TWO hand jobs, and would recommend the two hand ones. There is lots of dimpling and things the hand ones done easier in my opinion. Regardless, it saved time by not having to change dies so often. I still recommend a pneumatic and two hand jobs.

__________________
AF1 (was RV12) EAB Air Force One, SN 461, N461DG VIKING/HONDA ENGINE POWERED!
A&P, PP-SEL, Pathological Flier, EAA Technical Counselor
EAA Chapter 595 President,http://www.595.eaachapter.org/index.htm
Retired US Army Officer
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/catego...903&category=0
Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 09:01 PM
 

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Springville, UT

Posts: 275

Default


I've enjoyed my build, Don, but it sounds like you've enjoyed yours more.

--
Stephen

Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 09:14 PM
 

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Ridgecrest, CA

Posts: 101

Default


I do not think you can get by with just one yoke, at least we could not.

The Cleveland Main Squeeze is the best of the manual squeezers

__________________
Dan Wright
Building RV-12 #511 in the Mojave desert (1976W reserved)
http://www.mykitlog.com/DanWright/
Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2012, 10:05 PM
 

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: New London, NC (near Charlotte)

Posts: 23

Default


Quote:

Originally Posted by DanWright View Post
I do not think you can get by with just one yoke, at least we could not.

The Cleveland Main Squeeze is the best of the manual squeezers

True, but the body of the Main Squeeze is wider than my 30-year-old squeezer, making it harder to get into some tight spots (like the rudder spar hinges). I love the Main Squeeze, but still have to use old one for some rivets.
__________________
Empannage in progress
Fuselage still in the box
RV-12 120593
http://www.coe.uncc.edu/~hill
http://jerre-hill.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2012, 07:47 AM
 

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Chuckey, TN

Posts: 16

Default


John, I've built two RV's - an 8 and an 8A and am pretty close to finishing my RV12, and I've never owned a pneumatic squeezer. I've always used the Avery hand squeezer with two yokes; a 2" and a 4" "No hole" yoke.

The pneumatic squeezer is, in my opinion, really not needed for the RV12. There just aren't that many solid rivets to squeeze. I would highly recommend a pneumatic "pop" rivet gun, though.

Walt Shipley

Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2012, 08:49 AM
 

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Clearwater, Florida

Posts: 63

Default


Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Shipley View Post
John, I've built two RV's - an 8 and an 8A and am pretty close to finishing my RV12, and I've never owned a pneumatic squeezer. I've always used the Avery hand squeezer with two yokes; a 2" and a 4" "No hole" yoke.

The pneumatic squeezer is, in my opinion, really not needed for the RV12. There just aren't that many solid rivets to squeeze. I would highly recommend a pneumatic "pop" rivet gun, though.

Walt Shipley

Walt,

What brand of compressor and pneumatic "pop" rivet guns would you recommend?

Any and all comments/recommendations by others also are appreciated.

Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Display Modes

Posting Rules

You may not post new threads

You may not post replies

You may not post attachments

You may not edit your posts


HTML code is Off

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:09 AM.


0 comments:

Post a Comment