New Hole Marking Tools Save Time & Money

The TracerMarker is a unique new design that replaces traditional aircraft tool hole locating methods. A big advantage is that these new markers eliminate the need to design and develop special locating tools. This saves the cost of design and manufacturing of shop aids to build tools for modification and maintenance applications.

The TracerMarker sticks to the existing part locating holes, the new part is placed on top and the markers stick to the new part. A slight tap with a hammer marks the center of each hole for drilling.

Another big advantage over traditional hole locating tools is that the TracerMarker does not require any additional space for the mechanic to mark the holes. If the actual part will fit in the space it is a simple task to place the TracerMarkers into position and place the new part over the markers for an exact fit.

This tool will soon become a roto-bin item in most major manufacturing, modification and repair centers of jet aircraft. It is being used by the military in modifications and maintenance of aircraft. The TracerMarker has proven its worth in many general aviation and commercial aircraft repair and modification applications.

The next time you need aircraft tools to locate holes in a part or assembly try the TracerMarker. You will be very pleased with the accuracy and will benefit from the cost savings in time and money.

Builder Support for Van's RV Aircraft

Probably the best resource for building an RV aircraft is VansAirforce.net. The forums are great for folks just thinking about building or for those in any stage of aircraft construction. Every model, every part and every step of each building process is well documented. This is the place to ask questions and get answers from those who have "been there and done that." The same is true for deciding which aircraft tool kit you want to purchase. Make sure to search for "isham" to get the posts on the Isham Inc. RV tool kit from www.PlaneTools.com

Isham Inc. PlaneTools.com Blog

I need to be more disciplined about writing to the blog. This can be a great tool to discuss and explain technical aspects of aircraft tools. In the past we have included many of the steps for using tools on the Van's RV aircraft build and assembly processes. We have answered many questions and shared ideas on how to use our tools and which tools work the best for specific applications. We will try to do a better job in keeping this blog up to date in the future.

What are Springback or Spring Back Dimple Dies?

Many aircraft builders ask what the difference is between a Springback and regular dimple die. The concept behind springback dies are that the aluminum is slightly "canned" in the opposite direction of the dimple (about 1-1/2 degrees) which allows the aluminum to "Spring back" into a flat sheet around the dimple. A regular dimple die will leave a slight can around the dimple, in the same direction as the dimple. Springback dimple dies were developed by the Aluminum Company of America in 1942 under contract for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Since that time there are a few tool companies that have the illusion that they invented the springback dimple dies, or that they have improved upon them. We have measured and tested all of them. The bottom line is that the spring back dimple dies work on 1/8" or larger diameter countersink holes, and all of them work the same with no noticeable difference in the finished product. However, technique of dimpling also affects the finished dimple and canned effect. On 3/32" rivets we find that a standard die works as well as the spring back dimple die. Many will argue these points, but they will also say that they invented this 1942 tool. The best dimpled hole is one that is dimpled a second time with the actual rivet that will fill the hole and a dimpling block -- see my May 2, 2006 previous post on this subject.

RV Tool Kits

Many new builder's ask if they need a full tool kit or if it is wise to only get an empennage tool kit to start with. I think that most RV builder's will agree that the tool list on Van's website really does not contain all of the tools needed for the empennage or the full airplane. It's a good start, but many other tools are needed to build the airplane. Most full tool kits provide the necessary tools for the sheet metal work, but many other tools are available to make the building process easier and to do a better quality job on the finished product. When a builder is considering the empennage kit rather than a full tool kit the things to keep in mind are: 1. Do you plan to build the full airplane or are you only building the empennage to see if you are really ready to tackle the airplane. If so, you may want to consider the empennage kit. If you are committed to the whole airplane then start with the full tool kit. 2. Buying the kit piece-meal will most likely cost more money in the long run. Shipping is expensive, often as much as the tool itself if it is a small purchase. These costs will add up and could significantly increase the total cost of the tools. 3. Most full kits are assembled in a way that gives the best price available and gives you a set of matching tools. I believe this is the best way to go if you are committed to building the airplane. Thanks, Glenna

The Best Drill for aluminum sheet metal

What is best in an air drill for aluminum work on an airplane? #1 Speed, #2 User friendly, #3 comfort, #4 quiet, #5 reversible. For aluminum 2000+ RPM is needed. A drill that is user friendly will accept the drill and accessory sizes you need to use and will be easy to change bits/tools. A keyless chuck is the best way to accommodate this. A drill should be comfortable in your hand. A drill should be quiet. Some air drills like the Sioux palm drill are very quiet. Many builders are going to high speed battery operated drills which are also quiet. Reversible -- well, I threw it in but have never owned one myself. That's why it's at the end of the list. I've never seen a worn out reversing trigger on a used drill.

Building the Van's RV Aircraft

If you are considering building a homebuilt airplane then look carefully at a Van's RV aircraft. Some things to consider. Van's has more kits produced and more flying airplanes than any other homebuilt. Accident history of homebuilt aircraft is important to research and understand. Only an aircraft mechanical or performance failure may be reason to shy away from certain aircraft. Most of the Van's aircraft that have been involved in accidents have been the result of pilot error or builder error. Van's aircraft are very high performance and require the right level of pilot experience. If you build one don't fly it yourself unless you have actual stick time in another Van's aircraft or with an experienced RV pilot in your local area. Avoid builder errors by checking and double checking every decision you make at www.vansairforce.net. Other builders will be glad to help you avoid any problems. If something doesn't seem quite right then ask before you build or install that part. Use the very best tools from www.planetools.com so that you can be sure the parts and assemblies you use on your airplane will be right. Take time to do every job correctly. Rework if you need to. This will help you avoid any mistakes during the building process. Ask a fellow EAA RV expert to assist you by reviewing your work and helping guide you in the building process. This is invaluable in that it will help you avoid costly mistakes and rework. In the end you will have a fantastic performing airplane that will take you just about anywhere you want to travel. HAVE FUN. Thanks, Glenna RV8A N220LS (In to tools!).