magsie Report post Posted October 16, 2015 I'm making some napkin rings as quick and easy practice pieces and I want to use rivets to close them, but I don't like how much the rings get "squashed" when setting the rivets, so I'm thinking about making a thing (I have no idea what the correct term would be) to help keep the rings shape while I set the rivets. What I have in mind would be a piece of broom stick or something similar with two sides planed flat and maybe a notch cut into the bottom face for the leather to sit in so that the whole piece can keep it's shape a bit better when setting the rivets. Just wondering if this is something that other people do or if anyone has any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, etc. Thanks! (also I'm not sure how to add tags to the post) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted October 17, 2015 I use random pieces of steel pipe from rona. I have found it is ok to set rivets on a curved surface as long as it matches the final curve of the piece somewhat, and you are hammering towards the center of the circle. It is easier to hit the rivet on an angle and bend it this way. Just make sure you line up your hits. Find a pipe that just fits the final inside size of the piece and you are golden Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
magsie Report post Posted October 18, 2015 I hadn't even thought of using pipe, thanks!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted October 18, 2015 (edited) Here is a more complex trick. I use a granite rolling pin i got at the thrift store. I can tool and set rivets on it, and i have glued a patch of 16oz veg tan in one spot to punch holes on. I have a hole in my table and an L shaped bolt that i put in the center hole of the rolling pin, and bolt it through the table leaving half the rolling pin overhanging the edge. Edited October 18, 2015 by TinkerTailor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
magsie Report post Posted October 18, 2015 That sounds brilliant. I don't have a proper work bench set up yet, but I'll definitely think about adding something like that to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted October 19, 2015 (edited) That sounds brilliant. I don't have a proper work bench set up yet, but I'll definitely think about adding something like that to it. If you are on bowen, you probably have a yard and definately access to firewood. You could set up an anvil stump outside. Get an old stump and attach or place the tube/devise/anvil/railroadtrack on top of the stump and hammer away. Or make a nice one for inside. Nigel armitage has a stitching stump he punches on and then attached his stitching clamp to the side. He cleaned it up, and keeps it inside. It has tool loops around the side for his knives and awls etc. Watch his videos on youtube. Best thing is you could drag it anywhere in the room to work from any chair, or tuck it away much easier than a bench. A kitchen table, a cutting mat to protect table and a stump is all you need. End grain wood is a great punching surface, it is hard but wont damage punches. Best part is you can convert the room back at any time. Edited October 19, 2015 by TinkerTailor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
magsie Report post Posted October 19, 2015 I've seen a few of Nigel Armitage's videos with the stump and am definitely thinking about making one. The biggest problem I'm facing is getting good lighting for my space - gonna have to make the treck out to Ikea sometime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nuttish Report post Posted October 26, 2015 A small jeweler's anvil with a round horn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
