Tool Box

Since I have hit a spot on the Control Surface kit that I can't get past until I get some steel to work with, I decided to work on the Tool Box kit.  It seemed like it was simpler and for the most part it didn't have all the steps that the control surface did.  It took me around 5 hours to do, but here are some pictures of the finished product.  The hinge was the most challenging part, fastening it to the back of the tool box, it didn't seem like the rivets were close enough to the edge and then fastening it to the top, it seemed like the top was pushed too far forward.  I did the best I could with it and it opens and closes and even latches so I count it as a project well done...  :)

Control Surface

Started my journey down the steep learning curve by working with the Control Surface Practice Kit.  You start out by cutting the aluminum with snips and then deburing the edges, so far so good... After that, you rivet the stiffeners in place on the control surface skins, my first attempt at riveting.  

Hmm, Not so bad.

Things didn't go to bad.  I worked with the rivet gun, a couple different bucking bars and doing some back riveting.  Also got to drill out a few bad rivet jobs.  :)  Normal stuff.

Accidentally had the pressure up to high on the rivet gun and jumped off the rivet.  Need to watch the pressure closer.  Live and learn. 

Used the squeezer on a few.  I like it, gives you a repeatable product and with my experience level, that is a good thing.

Done for today.  Seems I need to fabricate a tool, so I will need to find some steel to work with.  Also need to buy a drill press and a few other things before I really get going.  Not to bad for the first day.

Practice Kits

There is a lot to learn in getting ready to even start on the RV-10.  I haven't used a rivet gun or most of the tools that are needed for this build.  Van's has a couple wonderful practice kits that are inexpensive that I can try my hand at a lot of the things I will be doing on the build.  I have ordered the Tool Box and the Control Surface kits.