Craftsman Auto Hammer
While browsing the ever vast treasure trove of knowledge over at VAF, I came across a discussion about how good the $100 Craftsman Auto Hammer would be as a rivet gun. It hits hard and is a very good size for getting into tighter places than the traditional pneumatic rivet guns used in RV projects. The conclusion was that with a minor tweaking, and the fabrication of a rivet set holder, it would be great.
One of the other owners of my Spam Can Beech has a father-in-law who is a brilliant and very skilled machinist. We have become friends over the years and have been unofficially adopted by his wife into the family.
As the thread evolved over at VAF, some particulars of the modification needed were shared and dimensions listed. So I took the information over to my machinist friend and in 10 minutes, he took a hardened bolt and made me this;
Modification with AD4 Rivet Set installed
Basically, the modification attaches to the hammer head (nose) of the auto hammer tool with the set screws and the set inserts into the nose of the modification. Now you can bang at the head of the rivets with very good control and you can also switch out to different sets for different rivet sizes.
Here is the modification without the set installed
I geeked out some as he was turning this bolt into my modification with such skill, speed, and precision. Needless to say, I am glad I have a machinist “in the family!”
Photo Courtesy of Byron Graves N507RV
As I was pondering which plane to build, I came across this photo. I love the look, the lines, the scheme. So much so, that I emailed the builder and asked if I could copy the scheme. He said as long as I did not use the same colors, not a problem. Simply stated, this specimen is pure inspiration. He did a fantastic job. I only hope to get something that looks close to as good.
Photo Courtesy of Byron Graves N507RV
And for the interior:
Photo Courtesy of Byron Graves N507RV
A minor part swap.
Based on some suggestions from fellow (aka more experienced) builders, I moved the shutoff valve to the tank rather than the wall. This takes the pressure off the lead-in hose when closed. Additionally, I added a tank pressure outlet for general use with air nozzles and other high pressure needs.
Easier moisture removal valve
Another suggestion from a builder with arachnophobia was to make the valve on the bottom for moisture removal easier to use. I added an elbow, 4″ nipple, and a ball valve. Much easier to get to, and certainly easier to use.
The rubber mat is temporary to keep the compressor from walking across the floor. I will be bolting it down very soon for many reasons.
Custom Standoff
I have been planning on buying a larger compressor for the build for some time. I saved up and the time arrived. I got the Husky 60 Oil lubricated upright 240V.I wired a 240V 20A circuit in the shop just for this purpose and it runs it great.
One of the things that needed to happen before I could use the new compressor was the installation and mounting of the filter and regulators.
I chose the Kobalt versions over the Husky versions because the Kobalt has an auto drain in the filter. Does not hurt that it is patriotic looking next to the compressor 🙂
Unfortunately, neither the filter or the regulator came with provisions for wall mounting. So, I sat there and conjured in my head a design I was sure would work. Turns out, I was right. I basically took a 1″x3″X5′ piece of Red Oak from Home Depot aviation supply, and made 3 standoffs. I drilled each undersized to the pie holding all the components together, then rounded them, routered the edges with a 1/4″ round-over bit. and then sanded the holes to a snug slip fit. Once they were fit, I drilled and countersunk holes for screws on either side of the hole for the pipe. Then I simply cut the part right down the middle of the mounting hole. The width of the band saw blade being removed made a perfect clamp when the parts are screwed back together. Works and looks great.
I also have a 50′ hose reel that will be mounted below this assembly that will keep the hose tidy.
A few other builders suggested a couple of enhancements to this setup that I will implement tonight and update.
Formerly the Tail Kit Crate
The crates that Van’s kits are shipped in are VERY sturdy. It is even more surprising that they are built buy a gentlemen that is BLIND! It is a shame to just dismantle and toss them. So…what do you do? I chose to turn the tail crate into a sturdy set of shelves for the house garage. Just had to buy some 1″x 10″ x 6′ pine planks to blend in with the case and shazam!
I think I will do the same with the others as I get to emptying them.
Spar Assembly complete
HS Spar is complete and ready for primer. All holes are deburred and edges are dressed. At this point, the parts are set aside and now on to the Forward Spar assembly.
Bearing Assembly Matched Drilled
Once the bearing assembly is riveted, you match drill it to the spar. I sighted down the spar through all the hinge pivot points. It is straight as an arrow, right down the middle of the holes. This kit is a thing of beauty.
First Rivets of my plane are now set
So…here is the completed elevator bearing assembly. The first 6 rivets are now in the books. I am using a pneumatic squeezer. Worth every penny. Consistent, clean, and correct.
Prepped and Primed
After all the rear spar stiffeners and channels were match drilled, I prepped and primed the elevator bearing. I am using Dupli-Color’s self etching. I like how it sprays and heck, I even like the color. The next step is to rivet it to its brackets.
The matched punched assemblies are spot on
Every RV starts here. I had to debur the Spar Stiffeners and round over the edges near the channel bends a bit for a flush mating. Then the ends were rounded over to remove the points (aka crack generators). Once both were buffed to a smooth satin finish, I clecod the rear spar and the stiffeners together. Next step is to match drill them.
Opened the boxes in the tail crate. One of the first to do’s is to inventory all the parts to insure they are there. I was only short 1 AN960-10L washer. Fortunately I know of a source…all better now.
The Journey Begins
Kits were delivered on Tuesday but I have not had time to open any of the crates. So before work…heck, let’s open at least one.
I guess since I held off on getting the tail until the wings were ready, they simply put the standard boxes in another crate to protect it better. Bonus for me!!!
I hope to inventory the Tail tonight. I cannot believe I made it a whole day without touching these parts (neither can my wife).
Like Opening a Jack-in-the-Box
Amazing How They Ship the Skins
Slideshow of the RV Factory being built and setup.
Google Photos of Shop Construction
