Still thinking about an RV-14

[tsts4]

Just remembered a few items:
- vise
- die grinder and some small 3M wheels
- Dremel

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I prefer the belt driven oiled models to the oiless variety as they are much quieter)

I would offer up a bit of an exception to that.
Now, I do have a "vintage" Sears oilless compressor that is stupid loud. When I had it in my shop, I would go outside when it was running. It now has a forever home at the airport where it gets used less often.
OTOH I have an oilless compressor from California Air Tools that is quiet enough that you can stand next to it and carry on a conversation without raising your voice. Quieter than belt driven oiled compressors that I have been around.

 

[tsts4]

I would offer up a bit of an exception to that.
Now, I do have a "vintage" Sears oilless compressor that is stupid loud. When I had it in my shop, I would go outside when it was running. It now has a forever home at the airport where it gets used less often.
OTOH I have an oilless compressor from California Air Tools that is quiet enough that you can stand next to it and carry on a conversation without raising your voice. Quieter than belt driven oiled compressors that I have been around.

I should have qualified my remark. I believe it’s pretty accurate with hobbyist/home level compressors typical of what you’d find at the big box stores.

 

[TCABM]

Before I go much further, I’m thinking about getting some angle and sheet aluminum just to figure out riveting.

 

[Jim K]

 

[Racerx]

View attachment 135538

I've seen far worse on completed rv's

 

[kyleb]

Before I go much further, I’m thinking about getting some angle and sheet aluminum just to figure out riveting.

This. Riveting is about the only building skill it takes time to develop.

 

[iamtheari]

This. Riveting is about the only building skill it takes time to develop.

Unless you count patience as a skill. That one takes forever.

 

[moparrob66]

Its definitely different, but the BD-4 is held together with a zillion screws. If riveting isnt your cup o' tea...

 

[tsts4]

Its definitely different, but the BD-4 is held together with a zillion screws. If riveting isnt your cup o' tea...

IIRC the internal BD4 structure is bolted or blind riveted while the skins are bonded on. However there’s plenty of aircraft kits out there that don’t use solid rivet construction so a potential builder has plenty of choices in that regard. That said, there’s reasons Vans has a huge E-AB market share. Oh and learning to rivet isn’t hard whatsoever.

 

[TCABM]

Unless you count patience as a skill. That one takes forever.

And that’s my real worry.