From "The Rocky Mountain RVators" newsletter and the RV newsgroup.

What Tools Do I Need?

The most asked question from new and prospective RV builders is, "what Tools will I need?" The following list is compiled by 4 builders, 2 with planes flying, one finishing the engine installation, and one midway through his wing kit. The list of tools is divided into 3 groups. First (1) lots of time low bucks, second (2), average Joe some bucks good job and fairly quickly, third (3), Donald Trump's little brother, lots of money.

All of the following can be purchased through Avery Enterprises, Cleaveland Tools, and Harbor Freight Tools. (see last issue for tool vendors) We in no way represent any particular vendor but just point you to a known source. Shopping around will most likely save you money.

First Group:

Air Compressor (75 psi min.) 1 to 2 hp
Rivet Gun 2X or 3X [do not use air hammer]
Rivet sets: straight & offset 1/8" Universal
Flush Rivet Set
Bucking Bars
Drill Motor: Air or Battery (not AC powered, cutting power cord = loss of
builder)
Drill Bits: #41, #40, #30, #12, 3/16", 1/4"
Long Drill Bits: 12" long #30, #40
#50 Drill Bits in std., 6 inch and 12 inch lengths
Metal Files: flat, half round, round
Scotch Brite, fine red color
Bench Grinder: 6" preferred
Scotch Brite wheel: 6"x1" (polishing, deburring, trimming)
Deburring Tools: for straight edges and drilled holes.
Bench Vise: 4" or larger
Cleco Fasteners: 350 3/32", 150 1/8",
(get metal bodied type, the plastic ones just will not hold up to use)
Cleco Pliers
"C" Clamps: 12 1", 12 2", having a few of each size in the deep throat type
is advised.
M/S Counter-sink stop Cage: w/#30 & #40 piloted cutters
Hand Rivet Squeezer:
Squeezer Sets: flush and Universal rivets 1/8" and 3/32"
Dimple dies: 1/8" and 3/32"
Bucking bar/set drilled for dimple die shank .187"
Metal Cutting tools: Snips left, right, straight cuts.
Hacksaw Blade & Holder
Fluting pliers
Hand Seamer (can use a piece of hardwood 3"x3"x1" with saw cut slot as seamer)
Pop rivet tool
Tape measure and rules (6" & 12")
Level: Carpenters, bubble protractor
Wood working tools: For jigs etc.

Second List: Assumes you will have most items from the First list.

Air Tool Regulator: for Rivet Gun
Drill Press: Slow speed model less than 250 rpm.
Fly Cutter: Cut lightening holes in ribs (kits now come with rib pre punched but still useful)
Drill Bits: use 135 degree split point bits #30,
#41, #40 ,#12, D, 3/16",1/4" standard length; #30, #40, 3/16",1/4",6",12" length
Drill Stops: Commercial type, or use 3/32" & 1/8" plastic tubing
Unibits: #1 and #4
Right Angle drill attachment: w/ #30 & #40 bits
Bench Top Band Saw: (When using metal cutting blade for non-ferrous metals
speed does not have to be slowed.)
Hand Riveting and Dimpling Arbor
Back Riveting Set
Back Rivet Plate: steel plate approx 1/2" x
15" x 6" smooth faces
Flush Rivet Set (swivel with rubber guard preferred)
Vise Grip Dimpler: 3/32" dimple die welded to tip
Pop Rivet Dimplers: use in pop rivet tool for 100! AN-426 rivets and 120! flush
pop rivets
Dimple Dies: for AN509 screws #6, #8, #10
Side grip Cleco Clamps
Handi-Clamp: Sheet metal neat things with rubber gripping surface won't mar the
aluminum
Rivet Spacing Fan
Automatic Center punch
Plumb Bob
Nibbling Tool
Rivet Cutter
Edge Rolling Tool or Hole Flanging Tool
Vixen Tool: Body file
Scotch Brite Surface Conditioning Disc/kit: Attaches to drill motor smoothes
scratches in aluminum surfaces
Paint Gun: Either Air Brush and/or touch up gun
Hand Held Die Grinder: Air powered

Third, Top of the Line: You have the Money$$$

Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer with multiple heads (Avery now makes a hand squeezer
which uses the same heads, good deal!)
Air Compressor: 3HP, 100psi or better
Metal Cutting Bandsaw
Turbine low Pressure, High Volume paint sprayer: To paint the aeroplane with.
Electronic Level
Someone Else to do It

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Comments and feedback welcome, please send to... jhovan@swbell.net