Peening copper rivets

[KingsCountyLeather]

Hi,

ive been looking at a lot of video's for copper rivets...

I can't find any that shows a really good finished penned side of the rivet.

anyone want to post a picture of a set copper rivets that you're proud of and how you achieved that finish?

[KingsCountyLeather]

Oops, spell checker didn't work well here.

"Peening copper rivets"

[RhodesAveDesigns]

Oops! I clicked on the topic because I couldn't figure out what it was you might be asking (as someone with enough experience and knowledge not to be using plated pot-metal "rivets").

I look forward to the forthcoming answers, as I haven't been able to find much helpful information, either- another leatherworking "grey area".

- Elizabeth

[Tugadude]

I will get some photos up, but to me it is understanding the process.  It is like building a foundation.  If you start off badly it cannot be fixed.  So step 1 is to trim the shaft of the rivet to the right length.  Some can do this when making the original cut while others make an initial cut and then trim it down.  A Dremel with cutting wheel helps.  Then, after you have it trimmed, say about 1/8" or so, you can tap it down with a ball peen hammer.  The final touch I use is a doming tool to round it off.

The easiest mistake to make is to leave the shaft too long and then try to make it look good.  It won't.

[KingsCountyLeather]

I look forward to seening your photos.

is it ever a case that the peened side of the river would be the showcase?

[Instinctive]

Here mine but I learned for this guy https://is.gd/ErprhE

And show casing the peened size is a good thing in my book.

[KingsCountyLeather]

Now that's what I am talking about!!!

i think that looks great.

how do you get that finish ?

[480volt]

I prefer to have the peened side visible. The flat factory head, even if you dome it, looks like it belongs on the inside of a pair of Levi's to me.

[KingsCountyLeather]

42 minutes ago, WRLC said:

Here mine but I learned for this guy https://is.gd/ErprhE

And show casing the peened size is a good thing in my book.

 

Just saw that video, exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for sharing.

[Instinctive]

8 minutes ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

Now that's what I am talking about!!!

i think that looks great.

how do you get that finish ?

A 16 oz ball & peen hammer. After using nipper pliers to cut the rivet I just tap with the post with the hammer side to flatten it a bit then peen it with the ball including tapering the edges down to the washer. It take s a good eye but the heavy hammer allows a really controlled tap.