It came to my attention earlier this week that I didn't have a quick tutorial on how to rivet. While I include riveting in at least three of my YouTube jewelry tutorials, there's not one just for the basic skill. So, I created one!
These are the supplies I use to rivet
I like the EuroPower Punch for its ability to punch holes in a variety of metal gauges and hole sizes. However, it doesn't come with a 1.5mm punch that is best for most nail head rivets. But, those can be purched. I also use a fairly basic pair of heavy-duty wire cutters. To flatten the rivet, I use a small bench block and a small ball peen hammer. In addition, I like a fine tip permanent marker to help mark where I'm punching. And, you'll need your metal.
This quick video on Using Rivets in Jewelry Making will show you how I do it.
Here's a better look at the two pieces I riveted together in the video.
Of course, you can get a better idea of how rivets are used in some finished pieces. Here are examples from my Etsy Shop.
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| Roy G Biv Earrings |
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| Red Door Necklace |
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| Orange Rose Earrings |
If you're interested in watching me create pieces with rivets in them, here are those videos I mentioned above:
DIY Altered and Riveted Pendant (the red door pendant above)
If you have any questions about this, let me know in the comments. I'll do my best to help you. Have fun joining some metal together!
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The power punch looks formidable but I am sure it works smooth. I learned a riveting trick in one of the Craftsy videos. You can punch a hole in a playing card and put them on top of the metal surface before your trim the rivet. This gives you the exact length required to get a smooth head and to allow movement. The looser you want it to be the more cards you can add.
ReplyDeleteThe weight of the power punch is indeed a tad cumbersome, but its ease of use through materials makes it totally worth it!
DeleteAs for the tip you mentioned, thanks for sharing. I think I head that one years ago too, maybe. I tend to just cut based on feel as that was how I learned the skill, but for someone teaching themselves, that's a great idea. I appreciate you sharing it!
I've used Vintaj rivets and they are a very good product! Luckily, I can get them in Bulgaria. Thank you for the video :)
ReplyDelete