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Thread: Need to squeeze those big rivets?

  1. #1
    Tony Spicer's Avatar
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    Jan 2013
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    Wilmington, NC
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    Need to squeeze those big rivets?

    I needed to. When I decided to talk my way into being a Panther beta builder, the one thing I knew could be a stopper was a way to squeeze hundreds of 3/16" rivets. No rivet gun and no 3lb hammer for me. A bud had a 20 ton Harbor Freight press. I had a 2 ton bottle jack. Messed around with both, then decided to give building a squeezer a try. Requirements were that it could be built for under $50 (scrounging required), easy to use by one person, and set nice rivets every time. Off to Harbor Freight for a four ton bottle jack. Results here. So far, two sets of Panther spars without a problem.

    Tony

  2. #2
    CarlOrton's Avatar
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    Jul 2011
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    Excellent photo documentary, Tony; I agree with the photo comments that you should document this with National. Very nicely done!

    Carl Orton
    Sonex #1170 / Zenith 750 Cruzer
    http://mykitlog.com/corton

  3. #3

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    Friggin' brilliant!
    The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

  4. #4
    vondeliusc's Avatar
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    Nov 2011
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    Tony's awesome rivet press

    If you have not been to his site, DO - great descriptions and what EAA should be..
    -Christian

  5. #5
    BushCaddy's Avatar
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    Aug 2011
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    Tony, great presentation and results. Thanks
    Don...
    BushCaddy N2C
    http://www.donsbushcaddy.com

  6. #6
    Tony Spicer's Avatar
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    Jan 2013
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    The HF squeezer is making the rounds of Panther beta builders. First set of spars in North Carolina. Second in Florida. Currently in Dick Fisher's shop in Youngstown, Ohio. So far, no issues.

    Tony

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