Paul Bryan said…

Hey Gary thanks for the friend invite.

 

I was concerned about the solid rivets myself. Never having done any before. I bought a manual rivet squezer (way to hard) can be used for dimpling. I bought a Habor Freight rivet gun (can only be purchased online) http://www.harborfreight.com/3x-air-riveting-hammer-with-5-piece-ch... .

I used the 20% off and that paid for the shipping and tax.

 

I also purchased the economy rivet set from Aircraft Spruce http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/topcanrivetsets.php 

 

 

These are better quality than what comes with the tool. I used the one with the tool and it damaged the surfaces easy. The one from aircraft spruce worked great. It fits the heads better.

 

I practiced on about 50 holes. I set up the same thickness for practice.

 

The jig set the spar height. I drilled the lower spar cap and clecoed. Then I measured the spaceing for the spar and drilled the the upper spar cap at one end. Made a jig of that spacing. The moved down the spar and drilled the caps between the jig. The next spar will be the same as the first. I pre drilled my spar caps.

Gary, I got your note about suppliers for aluminum in Baltimore.  I have used two different suppliers.  For 0.32 thousands and thicker aluminum, EJ Enterprises down near BWI is a good supplier.  You have to go their "Metals To Go" group for small orders.  For thinner material, I use Access metals in Middle River.  They are very accomodating and specialize in small orders.

Welcome Gary,

We started from a kit the day after Christmas 2012 and should be flying in 8 weeks or less. We are using an older 0200 with 200 SMOH with the firewall forward kit due in a week or so. I can't imagine plans building as I have the patience of a border collie. The 3 of us are in our 50's , 60's and 70 so we just don't have enough years left to thoroughly abuse this plane if we did the slow build. Good luck.