Setting Copper Rivet

[thunter9]

hello i'll try and explain all of this from the very start. first find a pc of 1/2 inch steel rod about 1/2 inch long ... now start to drill a 3/16---1/4 inch hole on one end. drill as deep as you want to dome the rivet. now grinds a long taper about 3/4 inch down to about 1/16 from the edge of the hole. now thats done find a #grade 8 bolt about 2 1/2 inches long and 5/8 to 3/4 in in size. drill a 3/16 hole on the end. go about 1 3/4 deep [ you want the hole deep enough so you can set the washer and not bottom out. and the hole big enough so the rivet slides easy as for the cutter either side or end cutters try and cut as cllose to the washer as you can but move it just slightly . if that makes any cents. while tapping on the rivet set move it arouind in a cyrcler motion while you trying to set the rivet. if every thing looks good center it up and set it one more time

[thunter9]

the hole you punch should never be any larger than the rivet your using. ,if it is good luck keep every thing straight and you'll be good

[plinkercases]

Lots of tips already some repeated here but this is what I have learned:

• I use a 3 piece set of setter, peener and domer like these:
  • http://www.juddtools.com/rivet-setters--domers.html
• punch a whole that is tight for the rivet to go through for the whole length
• I found compound nipper/side cutters gave me enough leverage to get through the thickest rivets, reasonably flush (I leave about a 16th top 8th) and even then I will often work my way around while cutting so I don't try to go al the way through in one go
• working around and/or making a second nip 90 degrees to the first leaves a cut tip that is more pyramid shaped and chisel shaped and makes peening easier
• Lighter taps on the peener while rotating it around at a slight angle
• Always work on a heavy steel plate, shoemakers metal last, or piece of heavy flat bar depending on how I can get to the rivet - and I also learned by my bench has areas that flex more so I found and use the most solid spot for this work...even steel plate will bounce on a bouncy spot.
• Dome the rivet head then touch up the peen lightly if it flattened a little and is visible where I would care.

And practice practice practice... hope this helps.