Angle Drill - Not what I needed - So Now What???

Well, the angle drill didn't work for me.  That is the 90 degree angle drill that I thought would be the right tool for drilling my rib to spar angle attachments.  However, the drill head is the same size as the pneumatic had drill that I already have.  See the comparison picture here:

As you can see, the drill chuck is the about the same size for both drills.  The 90 degree angle drill on the left with the #40 drill bit doesn't help in drilling the holes I need against the clamped ribs on the spar angles.

In the picture above the drill head or chuck and bit are not perpendicular to the spar web and I can't center the hole on the angle using this tool.

So I guess it's back to the drawing board - or actually the tool shed or store to see what I can get to drill these holes properly.  I was able to drill the outboard rib okay with the hand drill.  Because the end of the spar doesn't constrict the area when getting the drill in position.  So nose rib #1 is drilled and clecoed in place.

In this picture it appears the drilled hole and cleco are near the edge.  But it is not.  

I have posted a message on the CX4 Yahoo Group board to ask other builders how they drilled their holes in the ribs.  The Yahoo group is very helpful.  And I will be going "shopping" for a new/different drill for this task.

So yes - this is another delay in the build process  It's been two weeks or so since any progress has been made.  Mostly because I am over-cautious.  Combine my hesitation with the time required to shop, order, and receive tools and parts and well...there go two more weeks.  

I really hope to get a good drill for this task so I can continue.  

Thanks for checking in -

Greg.

Looking for an Angle Drill

Well, tried to find an angle drill attachment or drill at TheHomeDepot.  No joy.  They had a 90 degree drill attachment/adapter but is was just as big as my drill head so it would not work.  So I shopped around and found an angle drill (Ingersoll Rand) on Amazon.com for $59.00 including shipping.  I ordered it and should be here by Monday or Tuesday.  So we're on hold for drilling ribs for the spar.  I will spend some time cleaning and straightening out the workshop while I wait for the arrival of my new angle drill.

Stay tuned - and thanks for checking in.

Greg.

** Update 7/18/13 **

I received my 90 degree angle drill today!  Going to start drilling ribs again tomorrow evening.  Stay tuned for updates.

Greg.

Wing Assembly - The first rivet

Drilled my first rivet hole in the right wing forward rib today.  Discovered that my pneumatic palm drill is not going to work for drilling the wing rib holes.  I either have to get a long drill bit or an angle attachment.  Was looking into getting a 90 degree drill but they are just a bit pricey.  So here is a picture of my first drilled hole -

I'm going to check online with Wicks and Aircraft Spruce to see what is available.  And I'll will probably stop by the local Home Depot to see what I can find.  I hope they may have a long drill bit which would allow me drill in this confined area.  Live and learn.

I was really worried about drilling the first hole.  I used the alignment tool that is called out in the plans. Attached my fabricated alignment tool to the leading edge rib with a couple of small bolts with nuts.  Lined up the rib flush and square with the wing spar which is clamped to the work table.  And then held my breath - drilled the first hole - then cleco'd it in place.  It looks okay to me.  Square and aligned with the base.  I attempted to drill a second hole but my drill is just too big to fit in the area betwen the rib and the spar.  This is a learning experience.  And I am proceeding S L O W with everything.

Will update tomorrow after my visit to The Home Depot.  If I get a drill bit or angle attachment for my drill that works.  I will continue fastening leading edge ribs to the spar.

Thanks for checking in -

:)