Deciding which airplane to build now seems like it was the easy part of this crazy plan. Deciding which tools to buy is adding an entirely new layer of confusion!
According to everyone I’ve spoken to, the recommended tools list on the Van’s website is a good place to start, but it doesn’t cover everything you will need. I’ve scanned the numerous RV builder’s forums for postings about recommended tools. It seems that everyone has there own opinion on what to buy. Should I buy new or used, a kit or piece meal, high-end or save a few bucks at Harbor Freight Aviation Supply?
Let’s start with the compressor. If you ask five RV builders about what to look for in a compressor, you will get at least ten answers. However, you can pick out some common elements. It seems everyone agrees that the compressor should have an oiled motor that, if possible, uses a belt to drive the actual compressor. While oil-free means less maintenance and often cheaper, they are LOUD LOUD LOUD! Tank size is also a common article of debate. Obviously, a bigger tank means the compressor will run less. However, 60 gallon and larger compressors often run off 230V which takes away any portability. I will primarily use the tank to run a drill, rivet gun, and cut-off tool of some sort. It may be used to run a small paint sprayer for priming as well. Keeping this in mind, it seems that a 20-30 gallon, oiled, belt driven compressor would be ideal. Right now, I’m leaning towards this one, available at Tractor Supply.
Most builders recommend that you purchase one of the RV builder’s tool kits available from several aviation tool suppliers. These kits generally contain all of the tools on the Van’s recommended list, as well as several other items which many builders feel are required in addition to Van’s list. However, a local builder who recently finished his 6A (now has 120 hours flying) thinks the kits are all overpriced and purchased all of his tools separately, both new and used. With this in mind, it becomes a decision based on both money and time/patience. For me, I would rather spend a little bit more and have everything (or almost everything) when I need it rather than start building, get stuck because i don’t have the right tool, and have to wait a week for the UPS truck to show up.
There are many aviation tool suppliers out there and several of them have RV Builder’s Kits. After doing a lot of research, the vendors at the top of my list are Brown Tool, Cleaveland, The Yard, Avery, Isham and Aircraft Spruce. I spent a lot of time comparing their offerings, trying to determine what is actually needed and what is fluff (i.e. sharpies, safety glasses, ear protection…I’ll buy these things at Wal-Mart). After all the comparisons, Brown Tool’s Deluxe RV Aircraft Tool Kit w/3x Rivet Gun seems like the most bang for the buck at $1450. However, it sounds like you can’t go wrong if you purchase from any of the suppliers I’ve mentioned.
I already know that I will have to add to the Brown Tool kit. A few additional items I already know I will need include a pop rivet dimpling tool, back rivet plate, hand seamer, drill press, band saw, and bench top grinder to name a few. There are also a few items in the kit which I already own. Most of these companies seem willing to work with you and customize the kits to suit your needs. One of the best things I’ve discovered so far in this little adventure is that people in the industry actually want to help you! As I begin to purchase tools, I’ll update these pages to reflect what I actually have.
