questions on building a planishing hammer

[Butch Duke]

Hi Brad
As usual Dutch has given sound advice once again!!
I am a professional & I have both a 12" original C.P. & a aircraft riveter style. In my humbled opinion the air riveter style will keep up with the 12" C. P. every day of the week with out any problems. I do believe that Dutch might be referring to his C.P. style home made 36" machine. That is one fine tool. But if you are on a budget & just getting started in this craft I would build the aircraft riveter style. If you are patience enough just keep a look out on E-bay, swap meets for the riveter. You can pick them up fairly cheap. Then can get a Linemaster foot pedal & a air regulator from either MSC or McCasterCarr.
You really do not need a whole lot of bottom dies to get started with. Probably a low crown, medium high & a flat will get you started with.
You can look at Kent whites site, his dies do work quit well. Look around this site also for ideas.
Another thing is,, that you could also start of with the cheapie zip guns till you do find that good deal on the air riveter then just incorporate it into what you build.

[Van Orin Customs]

Butch
you have given me some good info. I think I might keep trying ebay for a riveter. I think I might have a McCaster book. I will check in there for regulators.
Thanks again

[Tinman]

Works for me

[rookie]

Hi Brad, good to see you posting, I'm of the mind set of would rather spend a little more and have something last longer but sometimes circumstances get in the way and you have to go cheap. If I could afford it I'd go Dutch's route, and would take a long look at Joe's (Hoosier Pattern) dies, or look up Nortoncustoms Plannishing hammer and lower dies, both are VERY well made. I feel That given our conversations that you would be much happier in the long run taking this direction. Just my opinion though.

All the best, Phil

[Jason93]

Where can you get a good quality aircraft riveter?

[roberlt]

I got a 5X riveting hammer on E-bay about 2 years ago for $39.00 delivered.

It has not broken yet.

Rob