Opinions on the Zenith tool kit - Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers2024-03-28T14:30:58Zhttps://zenith.aero/forum/topics/opinions-on-the-zenith-tool-kit?feed=yes&xn_auth=noYou'll need at least one of t…tag:zenith.aero,2022-07-05:2606393:Comment:8732882022-07-05T17:38:04.037ZScott Geddeshttps://zenith.aero/profile/ScottGeddes
<p>You'll need at least one of the riveters from Zenith, they come with the machined heads that make the outer dome shape on the blind rivets. I bought the air riveter from Zenith, then found a hand riveter with the same heads on ebay, sold by a previous builder. Also, I love my Sioux air drill, works great, and found it on ebay for about a third the price of new, the things are indestructible, spin at a higher rpm than any battery operated one, lighter, faster, etc. </p>
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<p>Of…</p>
<p>You'll need at least one of the riveters from Zenith, they come with the machined heads that make the outer dome shape on the blind rivets. I bought the air riveter from Zenith, then found a hand riveter with the same heads on ebay, sold by a previous builder. Also, I love my Sioux air drill, works great, and found it on ebay for about a third the price of new, the things are indestructible, spin at a higher rpm than any battery operated one, lighter, faster, etc. </p>
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<p>Of course you'll then need a $500 compressor for the drill and riveter, but...</p>
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<p>As far as Clecos, you won't absolutely NEED more than they recommend, but you'll WANT more to make your life easier.</p>
<p>You'll also need other random stuff that is not in the kit for drilling, deburring, clamping, etc that you'll discover along the way</p>
<p>Bottom line, get the riveter, buy your other tools as you need them.</p> It was a quick way to get sta…tag:zenith.aero,2022-07-01:2606393:Comment:8731502022-07-01T20:51:15.265ZJohn Burnshttps://zenith.aero/profile/JohnBurns
<p>It was a quick way to get started with the tools, but I think you could do it cheaper. Just buying the riveter would make it easier. I used 3 very cheap Harbor Freight air drills and my cordless drill instead of buying the air drill. With the three Harbor Freight air drills I rarely changed drill bits. Just my approach. </p>
<p>It was a quick way to get started with the tools, but I think you could do it cheaper. Just buying the riveter would make it easier. I used 3 very cheap Harbor Freight air drills and my cordless drill instead of buying the air drill. With the three Harbor Freight air drills I rarely changed drill bits. Just my approach. </p> Can't directly comment on the…tag:zenith.aero,2022-07-01:2606393:Comment:8728372022-07-01T14:01:21.073ZFrank Stutzmanhttps://zenith.aero/profile/FrankSTutzman
<p>Can't directly comment on the Zenith tool kits as I didn't buy one. What I did was to take their list of tools and go shopping at Yardstore.com. I think I save a bit of money that I no doubt blew through somewhere else. </p>
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<p>If you have an reasonable cordless drill, I think you could skip the air drill. I say that, but ended up finding a used right angle air drill that I am starting to love. It sure seems to make for cleaner holes than my Makita. Could be the…</p>
<p>Can't directly comment on the Zenith tool kits as I didn't buy one. What I did was to take their list of tools and go shopping at Yardstore.com. I think I save a bit of money that I no doubt blew through somewhere else. </p>
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<p>If you have an reasonable cordless drill, I think you could skip the air drill. I say that, but ended up finding a used right angle air drill that I am starting to love. It sure seems to make for cleaner holes than my Makita. Could be the bits.</p>
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<p>The only problem with sourcing your own tools is that with the Zenith kit you get properly domed riveter heads. Not a big problem as you can do it yourself with a dremel. Somebody here has a great youtube video describing how. </p>