Using spar cut-offs left over from Sonex 0042 (the lower spar cap extrusions are shorter than the upper spar cap extrusions by just over 2 feet), I am generating a representative 25 inch section of spar to practice the riveting techniques. Also expect to use this to set up a hydraulic riveting rig. Found the 12 ton hydraulic press on sale at the local Harbor Freight, and given the reports of riveting the spars in 2 days with no noise and perfect rivets, I figured I would try this method. In searching the web, this is not a Sonex-unique application. I've seen it used to rivet other types of spars. The issue I had was how to tell when the hydraulic press had pressed the rivet head enough, but someone out there came up with a nifty stop idea that gives nominal shop heads every time.
