Need fresh tools - dril and 3x gun

[fairchild]

My old drill is shot--- (it was a sears---- not a good drill to start with....)
Would like recommendations on an OK small and comfortable drill (variable speed I assume) which wont drain the bank----
and a 3x gun with a good trigger...seen good reports on the ATS 3X pro--- Something good for all the central spar layers-- since that may be the first wing parts.
Probably some more thing to gather up- but those are 2 things I know I need. (and building the 2-nd build table)
Recommendations for drill and gun ?
Thanks- Tim

[jaredyates]

Not sure if you are after an air drill or electric... But for large volume jobs like skinning or making a spar, a pneumatic is going to be worth the setup. It is more compact and will cool itself while you work. I find I most often use the electric for general making of stuff, and prefer a 12v lithium that holds the battery entirely in the grip. This keeps it relatively small and light. Save the 19.2v model for installing a new roof on the hangar.

[S Lathrop]

Several years ago I bought a Pan American Tool Corp air drill at Oshkosh. I now have a pair, a 2600 rpm and a 4000 rpm model. I have really been happy with these drills. And I have found that I need both models.

[fairchild]

I am definitely going with air drill......
I see there are "palm" sized ones which I assume are compact---
and there are speeds of 2500 and 4000 rpm. I am thinking of all the rivet holes...... which would be better 2500 or 4000 RPM ? Palm or regular size---- I know I want a good trigger....
Will look at Pan American tool - never heard of them------
I could even go for a used name brand drill if it wasnt worn out....
Sounds like I want a 3x hammer of some kind.... as opposed to 2x... dont want to be pounding away on a #3 and it taking too long and too many hits. Not good for mr. rivet.
Tim

[jaredyates]

This is the one that I carry in the airplane:

http://www.yardstore.com/drills/cordless-drills/bosch-battery-powered-drill-ps32-02.html

And I have one that is very similar for the shop.

I have a Sioux that I almost never use, but if I was going to buy another one I'd probably get one of these:

http://www.yardstore.com/drills/pneumatic-pistol-grip/pistol-grip-drills-new/texas-palm-drill-1-4-quot.html

It looks really similar to the Pan-am. Back when Avery was in business I remember stopping by their booth at Oshkosh and comparing the trigger on the Pan-am and the Sioux, and the Pan-am was actually a little better.

Some folks say that the 4000 rpm is a little fast and is likely to burn up bits, even with aluminum.

[jaredyates]

If I carried a pneumatic, where would I put the compressor?

[Bdflies]

Well, I was going to ask if you also carried a rivet gun, but figured that would be dumb... To ask, that is...

Bill

[jaredyates]

The story of why I carry the drill is that I ended up stuck away from home and needed a drill to get the airplane flying again, so I borrowed a courtesy car and drove to Lowes to buy one. Since then it has come in handy for several jobs.

[S Lathrop]

Here is a web site http://www.panamericantool.com/

[hausburn]

I use one every day! Excellent tool. Get the reversible if you drill cherrymax on occasion.

[Chewie]

I would recommend the Ingersoll Rand 3AL1 drill. Get it on eBay.