Tools required for -12iS for previous RV builder

[llavalle]

So I sold my RV-9A kit a couple of years ago but kept all of the tools. Was basically the Avery RV toolkit + a few addons : reamers, bigger back riveting plate, Cleaveland Main Squeeze, 3 yokes.

-12iS emp kit is being prepared @ Vans as I type this (order sent on Dec 31st) and I'm prepping the shop for its arrival.

Bought a rivet puller (went with the Milwaukee battery powered one) and now wondering if my current toolkit is enough.

I assume :
-I won't need the rivet gun & bucking bars
-I won't need my DRDT-2

So - for any builder who did a -7/8/9/10 before doing a -12... did you need to buy anything else beside the rivet puller?

Thanks

[STEVEM]

I had to buy a 120 degree #30 countersink. I didn't have that from previous kits.

[rv9builder]

I use this close quarter rivet pulling wedge all the time on my -12, but it wasn’t necessary (or available) when I built my 9A. In the instructions, Van's tells you how to make a similar tool from AEX wedge, so this tool isn't 100% necessary, but I've found it very nice to have.

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/Close-.../#.XET3XS3MxE4

[llavalle]

Originally Posted by STEVEM

I had to buy a 120 degree #30 countersink. I didn't have that from previous kits.

Ok, I'll double check the tool list they have with my inventory then. Was trying to avoid this

Originally Posted by rv9builder

I use this close quarter rivet pulling wedge all the time on my -12, but it wasn’t necessary (or available) when I built my 9A. In the instructions, Van's tells you how to make a similar tool from AEX wedge, so this tool isn't 100% necessary, but I've found it very nice to have.

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/Close-.../#.XET3XS3MxE4

Ok, that's for pulling the stem at a angle while still having a flat head? Skimming the preview plans, it looks like it's the first thing they have you do! Good to know - this thing looks better

[DHeal]

A big magnet on a stick to pick up all of those errant pop rivet mandrels rolling around on the floor.

[llavalle]

Originally Posted by DHeal

A big magnet on a stick to pick up all of those errant pop rivet mandrels rolling around on the floor.

lol

But seriously, just started comparing toolkits.. and vans states in the RV-12 plan that we need 350 1/8in clecos... !!! didn't realize those weren't 3/32 almost everywhere like my -9A!

Looks like an inventory is in order!

[rv9builder]

Originally Posted by llavalle

Ok, that's for pulling the stem at a angle while still having a flat head? Skimming the preview plans, it looks like it's the first thing they have you do! Good to know - this thing looks better

Yes, it's for pulling the stem at an angle. I bought this tool before my -12 emp kit arrived, so I've never used the tool made from AEX wedge. Perhaps someone else can tell you which one works better.

[llavalle]

Alright so I did the inventory. Here's what Vans lists that I didn't have in my Avery kit - in case anyone needs it :

-1 Extra short flush head rivet set (1/8in thick). I had one, they say you need 2
-Couple of drill bits : #3,#11,#16,#20,#43,#36,#52,1/4in,5/16in,Q or 11/32in, 3/8in
-120deg machine countersink with #30 pilot hole as stated above <--for some reasons I had bought it separately, not sure why, it was still new with wax on it
-Bunch of taps (won't list them - I had a tap set with most of them)
-#30 (copper) clecos --> Vans lists 350 of them, had 100 of them


Everything else I had.

[randylervold]

I've built an -8 and -3B before and my list of things important for the -12iS are:

• The Avery or Cleaveland close-quarter rivet guide mentioned above
• A good pneumatic or electric puller as mentioned above (I have both but really like the Milwaukee electric puller!)
• A pneumatic squeezer
• 120° 1/8 dimple dies (I plan to use c/s rivets in a few places such as the wing leading edge.

I'm working on my build site and should have it up in another week or two and have a page just for tools where I'll comment on these items.