Need to squeeze those big rivets?

[Tony Spicer]

I needed to. When I decided to talk my way into being a Panther (http://www.sportperformanceaviation.com/images/Panther_3_view_specs8.5x_11.pdf) 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 (https://picasaweb.google.com/tonyboytoo/RivetSqueezer#). So far, two sets of Panther spars without a problem.

Tony

[CarlOrton]

Excellent photo documentary, Tony; I agree with the photo comments that you should document this with National. Very nicely done!

[Frank Giger]

Friggin' brilliant!

[vondeliusc]

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

[BushCaddy]

Tony, great presentation and results. Thanks

[Tony Spicer]

http://i45.tinypic.com/34pmjqc.jpg

The HF squeezer is making the rounds of Panther (http://flywithspa.com/panther.html) 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