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  1. mstratman

    free builders log: We Build Planes

    Nothing's truly free, of course. I always like to say (regarding Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc) "If you're not paying for the 'product' you're using, you ARE the product." That's only half true here, though... This is costing me very real money out of my pocket, which I'm okay with for now...
  2. mstratman

    free builders log: We Build Planes

    These are definitely valid concerns, and I'm a builder too so I completely get it. I take very seriously the longevity and integrity of peoples' logs. I have several layers of safety nets: I'm (as we speak) adding the ability for you to export your entries and photos. full-page static html...
  3. mstratman

    free builders log: We Build Planes

    You can definitely use it for restorations, too. In progress or flying.
  4. mstratman

    free builders log: We Build Planes

    If you'd like a free site to post pics about your build - flying or in progress - keep a log, and eventually connect with other builders more easily (those features are a WIP), We Build Planes is up and running now: https://webuildplanes.com/ Great feedback so far. Let me know if you have any...
  5. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    A new riveter head seemed to fix it completely (knock on wood - i'm only a handful of pulls into using it). In the meantime, a lower PSI helped with the old head before I got the new one.
  6. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    Though this is more costly than I'd like, would something like this flow control regulator achieve the same results as what you're getting at? Or am I missing your point...
  7. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    Thanks, will do. I haven't yet tried much below 80.
  8. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    Yeah, definitely not a burr issue. I actually countersunk some holes in some scrap sheets to rule that out. The hydraulic riveter is routinely not pulling tight enough, while a hand riveter is just fine.
  9. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    Those are the ones with threaded stems? If so, these aren't. I'm not sure what brand, but they're supplied by Zenith.
  10. mstratman

    Gaps under pull rivets

    I've started to get gaps, up to 0.0025, beneath the rivets I'm pulling with a hydraulic/pneumatic riveter. I've double+triple checked that I'm holding it flush and flat. I took it apart and cleaned it, ran oil through. I tried running it up to 120 PSI, down to 80 and below, no luck. My hand...
  11. mstratman

    Hydraulic oil for riveter

    Yep, exactly. Not oil for lubrication (for that, like Tiger Tim, I'm also using some air tool oil). Thanks everyone. I'll just use some jack oil and call it a day.
  12. mstratman

    Hydraulic oil for riveter

    I have an ATD hydraulic riveter that recommends "a quality hydraulic oil such as Mobil DTE 10 or equivalent," but I'm having trouble finding it in smaller quantities. Anyone know if there's any harm in using power steering fluid or jack oil?
  13. mstratman

    How do you smoothly cut sheet aluminum?

    I am definitely a convert to the Olfa tungsten steel blade camp: http://zenith.stratman.pw/2016/10/30/the-only-way-to-cut-aluminum/ I got one of these blades today and am dumbfounded how easy and perfect the results are. It was relatively cheap too (~$12). Just score along a straightedge 3-6...
  14. mstratman

    Wordpress Builders Log plugin - track time spent

    If anyone is using or considering using Wordpress for your builders log, and want to easily keep track of time spent, try out the "Aircraft Builders Log" plugin. You should be able to install it directly from your Admin page. Alternatively, get more links and options here...
  15. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    That's a great idea. I covered the floor in a couple layers of cork we found cheap at the Restore store. Been shop-vac'ing it every day or two with pretty good results so far. But haven't done anything about the walls yet, and should probably give them some sort of treatment too.
  16. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    I built a couple of 6 ft tables, and put them at an angle in the room and that angle buys a couple extra feet. I haven't started working on the wings yet (on the horizontal stabilizer at the moment), but hopefully that gets me the wriggle room I need. Shipping container would have been easier...
  17. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    Victor Bravo: Thanks! I hadn't really considered that you could pin it together to do those hookups. Good to know! That should extend the time slightly where we can work at home before a relocation is needed.
  18. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    Cabin width with bubble doors is 50", so I assume without the doors it should be less, and this opening is around 54", so I think we should be okay fitting the fuselage in there. As long as we don't put the wheels on.
  19. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    Also Winginit: to your point we also did (briefly) discuss replacing the garage with a bigger one that can double as car storage and a workshop... that's my dream, but it's just a bit too pricey to do at the moment.
  20. mstratman

    Building in a tiny workshop? (Zenith 750)

    To be clear, we won't be building in this shed. It's just to store the fuselage and other materials. We got the quick-build kit which has the fuselage mostly assembled, so when we bring it home Saturday it's going straight into the shed. We'll be building what we can in the house, then when...
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