I was wondering if there might be interest in learning the basics of how to rivet aluminum sheet or other metals with solid and pulled rivets. (mainly solid – pulled are easy)
The class would involve a description of the tools involved and techniques for round-head and flush rivets - including using a drill, rivet gun and rivet squeezer. Also drilling out bad rivets and repair.
Tools are the only question… I could bring my own tools and rivets to teach the class, but I don’t think the Makerspace has a rivet gun, bucking bars, dimple dies, etc. so others could do this on their own later.
A rivet gun starts at about $140, rivet set kit $30, bucking bars $20-40. (or get a $13 air hammer from harbor freight)
Clecos and cleco pliers - about $30 to start with a few. More is better.
To rivet flush rivets, the following are also needed:
Dimple dies (2 sizes) - $50 + die block set kit ($18).
A manual rivet squeezer ($95) is also nice to have - but will also require some more accessories ($30). A pneumatic squeezer ($500+) would be great luxury item.
Various other tools needed are probably already on-hand, but there might be another $100-200 or so to purchase new ones to keep them together in a “riveting toolbox.”
(ideally, someone donates all of this stuff, or it is purchased used)
I built my own airplane out of aluminum and needed to use about a million rivets while doing it… I think I’m qualified to teach others this useful skill, and I know there are a few others even more experienced than I am.
