12-03-2010, 02:00 AM
A decent tool for making small amounts of rivets is a divider - one with a screw-type adjustment is best. Simply set the points for the desired spacing and "walk" it along a straightedge.
Experiment with different work surfaces to get the rivet appearance desired: wood of varying hardness (but not with a distinct grain) - balsa works well, as does maple. A cutting mat is another option, as is newspaper piled in different thicknesses, or even a sheet of glass.
While rivets can be impressed on .005" sheet styrene, I generally prefer .010". In either case, to secure it using solvent cement, apply a light but even coat to the back of the rivet strip or sheet, letting it mostly dry while applying a heavier coat to the material to which it will be affixed. Wait a few seconds for any excess to evaporate from the latter piece, then press the two pieces together. The lightly-coated rivet material will be sufficiently "prepped" that it will bond readily to the other sheet, without melting or distorting the rivets.
If you use brass, shimstock under .005" works well. For heavier material, you'll need something sturdier than the dividers.
With either styrene or brass, if you're simply making rivet strips, or a sheet with rivets near its edges, impress the rivets first, then cut to size. If you cut to size first, making the rivet impressions will distort any nearby edges.
Wayne
Experiment with different work surfaces to get the rivet appearance desired: wood of varying hardness (but not with a distinct grain) - balsa works well, as does maple. A cutting mat is another option, as is newspaper piled in different thicknesses, or even a sheet of glass.
While rivets can be impressed on .005" sheet styrene, I generally prefer .010". In either case, to secure it using solvent cement, apply a light but even coat to the back of the rivet strip or sheet, letting it mostly dry while applying a heavier coat to the material to which it will be affixed. Wait a few seconds for any excess to evaporate from the latter piece, then press the two pieces together. The lightly-coated rivet material will be sufficiently "prepped" that it will bond readily to the other sheet, without melting or distorting the rivets.
If you use brass, shimstock under .005" works well. For heavier material, you'll need something sturdier than the dividers.
With either styrene or brass, if you're simply making rivet strips, or a sheet with rivets near its edges, impress the rivets first, then cut to size. If you cut to size first, making the rivet impressions will distort any nearby edges.
Wayne