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  1. N

    Is the Thatcher CX 5 still being supported?

    Is the Thatcher CX-5 still being supported or has this one fallen into the abyss like many other homebuilts? I started building one but lost my job not long thereafter(back in late 2014) and shelved it. I'm just now beginning to toy with the idea of restarting the project. Last I heard the...
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    Will automotive primer harm 6061 aluminum?

    I've painted my wing spars for my Thatcher CX5 using rustoleum auto primer. I just want an extra barrier to inhibit corrosion. I've already read all the info regarding the virtues of auto primer regarding corrosion resistance and since I've already done the deed, I assume the risk to my plane...
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    Burrs on wing spar rivet holes....

    Today while working on my wing spar, I noticed a few (maybe 10) of the last holes to be riveted, had some metal burrs between the spar cap angle and the .032 spar material. I clamp all pieces and drill about every third hole to a #30 drill bit size, then cleco the parts together. 1/8th inch...
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    Rivet cutter, how does it work?

    I need to cut some rivets for my wing spar. A few people mentioned a rivet cutter, so I went online and bought one. Its the kind with the little gauges on one side and a series of holes in the tool to insert the rivet into. Only problem is this thing came with absolutely no instructions...
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    Looking for AN470AD5-11 rivets. Can't find any.....

    Anyone know where I can find this size rivet? I need a -11 on a section of my wing spar and I can't seem to locate any. -10 and -12 yes, but no-11. -10 is just a bit short and -12 a bit too long. I need a just right fit and -11 is going to do it. Would it be acceptable to grind a 1/16th off of a...
  6. N

    The cold has shut me down for a while....

    Well I tried for as long as I could, but the recent cold snap has finally put a halt to my construction. I needed a break anyway after my spar rivet fiasco. I went into the garage this evening and it is 17 degrees. Its 8 degrees outside, going down to -2. This is one of the coldest winters we've...
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    First attempt at solid riveting. Can these be saved?

    First attempt at riveting(after practicing, of course this didn't happen then). Shop heads look good (within gauge specs). Stopped after these went in. Can these be used, or do they have to come out?
  8. N

    Rivet gun air knob settings?

    This may seem like a silly question, but nothing came with my new rivet gun set to explain what the settings on the air control knob mean. I know the knob sets the air pressure, but from number's 1 thru six, what setting is least, what is most? So far I bucked a few practice rivets and changed...
  9. N

    I shoulda known better than to trust hardware store drill bits.......

    I should've known better. I needed a #21 drill bit to drill the rivet holes in my spar. So, I bought one at the local hardware store. The bit is too small. None of the holes are the proper diameter. I measured the bit and a rivet with my calipers. Both were .1520. A #21 bit should be .1590, per...
  10. N

    Decidied to buy the rivet gun.....

    In an earlier thread, I had mentioned using a modified bolt and hammer to set the solid rivets on my wing spar. Well, after careful thought and no success finding the right materials, and considering the opinions of many here, I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a rivet gun and bucking bar...
  11. N

    Your thoughts on using a hammer and modified bolt to set solid rivets?

    I'm having a hard time justifying the cost of a pneumatic rivet gun to buck the solid rivets for my CX 5. The wing spar for this build is the only place that I'm aware of that uses solid rivets, maybe 200 in total. I'm thinking of using the modified bolt and hammer method that Sonex offers up as...
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    2024T3 vs 2024T4?

    Guys; Wondering if this is a concern? I ordered a piece of 2024T3 x 1 1/2 X1/4" bar for my center wing spar build. They sent me 2024T4. Can I use this piece? What is the difference between the two?
  13. N

    Man I can't catch a break....

    First, I ran out of material, so I had to put aside working on my plane. Now, I have the material (shipment just came in) however the weather turned very cold and its 20 degrees in my garage. We're having 40mph gusts today which blows right through my garage door(even with the plastic sheeting I...
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    Plans building, work stoppages?

    I've been into a work stoppage on my CX5 for about a week now, due to having run out of material. I'm waiting for a check to clear so I can place my next order, so it will be at least another week, maybe two before I can get back to it. Just wondering what others do when they get into this...
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    Any problems with this method of riveting into an enlarged hole?

    Today I had to drill out a couple rivets on a piece of my CX5 that I had to reform. I had made a part, riveted it in place, then realized I had to remove said part, rework the part, and try again. When drilling out the rivets, one of the holes slightly enlarged. Since I do not have any large...
  16. N

    Thatcher CX5 builders, how are you coming along?

    I've been steadily working on my CX5 since June. Doesn't look like much, but I have a partial fuselage built(alot still to do on it yet). Being laid off from my job so that has slowed my progress somewhat. Right now I'm just cranking out parts as I get material. Been trying to work on the plane...
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    Just when my build was going strong.......

    I get word that I'm being laid off from my job. I got my 60 day notice last Friday. So now I will have plenty of time over the winter to work on the plane, but money will be getting tight so hmm, what to do? Fortunately my wife still has her job, but we're definitely going t have to cut back. I...
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    My CX5 So far.....

    Just thought I'd share a photo of my CX5 build so far....Its not much but I can sort of see an airplane....PS - that's my son in the photo, supporting the firewall because it isn't attached yet.
  19. N

    Anyone building an aluminum aircraft that has decided not to prime?

    I'm sure this topic has been talked about ad nauseum. I'm in a quandary as to whether to prime the parts first. I've read a lot about the merits of priming, and I've gotten many a reason to do it. But then I read where companies like Sonex don't even recommend priming unless you live near the...
  20. N

    Is it normal for 6061 T6 to tarnish in humid air?

    I noticed today when in the garage working on my CX5 that two of the pieces of 6061 angle on one of the fuselage sides is showing some tarnish with light dust on the metal. I wiped what I thought was just saw dust from my making form blocks, but when I wiped it off I noticed the tarnished area...
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