Building tools

[Phil Dubois]

Hi all,

does the building of a sonerai 1 need special tools or machines like hydraulic press ?
Is there a minimum tool list in the builder manual ?

Phil

 

[eschrom]

Needed, as in "can't do without?" No, other than something to make welds with. But definitely nice to have or have access to are bandsaw, metal chop saw, tubing notcher, bending brake, pneumatic rivet puller (and air compressor of course), even a small milling machine and lathe. A drill press is a necessity. An arbor press is a nice way to smash the rivets in the wing spar but it isn't necessary - I made my own fixture that worked well with a hammer. For the ribs in the tail I made my own bending brake, which was barely adequate but it did an OK job. I'm only saying that making a special tool is also an option sometimes.

Ed
2LS

 

[Phil Dubois]

Needed, as in "can't do without?" No, other than something to make welds with. But definitely nice to have or have access to are bandsaw, metal chop saw, tubing notcher, bending brake, pneumatic rivet puller (and air compressor of course), even a small milling machine and lathe. A drill press is a necessity. An arbor press is a nice way to smash the rivets in the wing spar but it isn't necessary - I made my own fixture that worked well with a hammer. For the ribs in the tail I made my own bending brake, which was barely adequate but it did an OK job. I'm only saying that making a special tool is also an option sometimes.

Ed
2LS

Thank you Ed for this quick and precise answer.
Phil