---------------------------------------------------------- RV7-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sat 10/18/03: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 08:16 AM - Re: Tools (Brian Meyette) 2. 08:44 AM - Re: Tools (Rob Prior) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 08:16:43 AM PST US From: "Brian Meyette" Subject: RE: RV7-List: Tools --> RV7-List message posted by: "Brian Meyette" My experience: I have had no need so far for reversible drill. Despite all the talk about high speed being critical, I have found that my 18v DeWalt battery drill does just fine for most things, and produces holes and countersinks that look just as good as those made with my 6,000 rpm Dotco. It also uses a very tiny percentage of the energy to run that the air drill requires. I had 3 rivet guns; used CP 2x, used 3x Sioux, used 6x unknown brand. Trigger on the 6x is outstanding, but the gun is bigger and heavier. I decided to pony up for a new Sioux 2x from Avery, to get a better trigger. After getting it, I was not impressed at all with its much-ballyhoooed trigger; it's no better than the 2x and 3x I already had. I am hoping it will loosen/smooth up with more use. I see no difference between a 2x with more pressure and a 3x with a bit less pressure. I'd recommend the 2x just because it's a little smaller and lighter. For true gun control, get yourself a diaphragm-type pressure regulator. The rotating dial types are a useless waste of money. The imported kind with the screw-down knob is better than the rotating dial type, but both are really just FLOW regulators, not pressure regulators. So, every time you let off the trigger, the next time you open it, you have a burst of full tank pressure as the built-up pressure bleeds off. See http://brian76.mystarband.net/tools.htm for more details. brian -----Original Message----- From: owner-rv7-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of jwbrunk@attglobal.net Subject: RV7-List: Tools --> RV7-List message posted by: I checked the archives and read all there is about air drills and rivet guns. I was hoping I could pick your brains about this. Drills: Is a reversable drill just nice to have or does it really come in handy? Is there a minimum RPM that you have looked for? Rivet Guns: It seems the general concensus on the archives is that a 2X or 3X will work, especially on the Quick build type kits. Is there a reason to lean towards one type or the other? Do the Sioux type (higher end) models really make a difference? I don't want to spend a fortune on tools, but would rather get a good tool once then to buy several over time. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance, John Brunke --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. --- ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:44:31 AM PST US Subject: RE: RV7-List: Tools From: Rob Prior --> RV7-List message posted by: Rob Prior On Sat, 2003-10-18 at 08:17, Brian Meyette wrote: > I see no difference between a 2x with > more pressure and a 3x with a bit less pressure. I'd recommend the 2x just > because it's a little smaller and lighter. Keep in mind that the ideal way to set a rivet (in a perfect world) would be *one* hit, just hard enough to set the rivet to it's proper driven state. The more you hit the rivet, the harder the metal in it gets; if you were to set it with a thousand light hits you'd have a rock hard, brittle rivet in that hole, even if it looked really pretty and properly set on the outside. The moral of the story is, the less hits on the rivet the better. So go with a 3x if you can't tell the difference anyway, it gives "bigger hits" and typically will take less of them to set a given rivet than a 2x. Is it significant? Maybe, maybe not. Opinions vary. I bought a 3x Sioux, FWIW. -Rob P.