Peening copper rivets

[Instinctive]

2 minutes ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

 

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

Thanks for sharing.

That guy is brilliant with copper rivets. Follow him on instagram (@masconleather). He shared his techniques.

[Tugadude]

The video is great.  A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it's moving.  Notice too how he is using an iron slab.  I do mine on the top of my vintage Sears Craftsman table saw.  Makes a great anvil.

[RhodesAveDesigns]

I have found something else to practice tomorrow. That video is so helpfull, and he is so well-versed it looks effortless. I can see a whole line of hopefully not-too-mashed rivets will be my after-dinner entertainment.

[KingsCountyLeather]

4 hours ago, RhodesAveDesigns said:

I have found something else to practice tomorrow. That video is so helpfull, and he is so well-versed it looks effortless. I can see a whole line of hopefully not-too-mashed rivets will be my after-dinner entertainment.

I've look at all his work and this is the first time I've found exactly the type of work I aspire to...

So like you I may get practicing my hammer skills.

[cowboycolonel]

I bought a set of dapping taps which take 1 stroke of a mallet to set.  One stroke on the burr side, and one or two to dome the head.  Too easy. The only consideration is how short you cut the shank, and you can either guess or make a gauge like to one in the video.

[NVLeatherWorx]

19 hours ago, 480volt said:

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.

Nailed it!

[Engine1]

Where did you get your dapping taps

[480volt]

 

This is a set of Bob Douglas' rivet setting tools, does sizes 8,9,10,12&14. These are made from stress-proof rod and are beautifully finished on all surfaces. One sets the burr, one peens the head and the last domes the factory formed head, though I usually leave it flat. Sometimes I prefer the look of just peening the rivet with a ball-pein hammer, just looks more appropriate on some things.

[KingsCountyLeather]

That's a lovely set of tools.

When peening with a ball peening hammer, do you not distort the washer also?

 

[Northmount]

6 hours ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

That's a lovely set of tools.

When peening with a ball peening hammer, do you not distort the washer also?

 

Only if you are too heavy handed.  Peening should be done with light taps, not slams like trying to ring the bell at the circus.  Work in a circular pattern to evenly peen the stud.  Don't hit the washer.

Tom