I've been a grease monkey all my life, and got my Powerplants rating in 1979, helped totally rebuild a pair of 152 wings, and did various and sundry other airframes related duties. Now the time has come to get my Airframes rating in earnest, and I'm doing to do it in a big way! My IA has offered to sign me off before! Rebuilding N7909Z (with his guidance) will make me current, more confident, and hopefully, more competent!
N7909Z will eventually emerge from my hangar fully restored and modified as a tailwheel 150, and I am even considering the 150hp mod! There will be much sheet metal work to do, and I can't even find my Cleco pliers! I need everything, from various sized Cleco fasteners, to pliers, to guns and bucking bars. I'm gathering as much information as possible on the best sources of tooling and supplies. I don't mind investing in quality tools, as it has always paid good dividends, but my old standby Craftsman has little to offer the Airframes Technician.
Where's the best place to look for a comprehensive "kit" of quality sheet metal tools? I see them from time to time on eBay, but they usually include too many items I don't yet find useful. What items should I include or exclude? 2X or 3X guns? What brand? Will an automotive gun do? I have two, they use the same shank size, and appear identical in operation (they even have teasing triggers)! Sheet metal shrinkers, expanders, brakes, and shears? What sizes are most useful? I would consider buying your used tools in good condition (Sorry about the "want ad", but you get the idea)! My IA has made suggestions, but I'm compiling a list from the best sources, and that includes you guys!
Thanks in advance!
Carl
