How to Rivet Jewelry
Riveting metal pieces together for the purpose of making jewelry is essentially an alternative to soldering. Soldering can be an expensive and time consuming skill to learn and perform. Riveting is a cold joining method, meaning no heat is applied during the process. This is an important skill for many jewelry makers, whether hobbyists or professionals, because it is inexpensive, relatively easy to perform and provides a method of creating pieces with multiple dimensions without soldering.
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Things You'll Need
- Brown & Sharp wire gauge Wire snippet Center punch Drill with bits Drill bit lubricant Hammer File Diamond polishing compound
Instructions
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1
Begin with two cut and filed pieces of metal that you wish to join. Beginners should start with something easy to work with like copper or sterling silver sheet metal.
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2
Do all of your design to the pieces before riveting them together. This will make them easier to work with and prevent a mistake from ruining the entire piece.
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3
Compare the drill bit you are using to a Brown & Sharp wire gauge to determine the gauge of the wire snippet that you will use to create the rivet. They should be the same gauge for a snug fit.
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4
Mark the spot for the rivet with a center punch on the first piece of metal to keep the drill bit from slipping on the metal when you start to drill.
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5
Dip the running drill bit into a lubricant.
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6
Drill through the first piece of metal.
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7
Use the drilled piece to determine the correct spot for the rivet on the second piece and again mark it with a center punch.
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8
Drill through the second piece.
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9
Use a round drill bit to countersink the hole on top. This makes a seat for the wire snippet when you hammer it down, strengthening the join.
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10
Put the two pieces together, aligning the drilled holes, and thread with a wire snippet of the gauge that you determined in Step 3. The wire should not be too long or it will bend when you begin to hammer it. You only need enough on either side to hammer it flat and for the countersink hole you made on the front to be filled. Both ends of the snippet should be completely flat. Use a file to make it so, if needed.
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11
Hammer the wire snippet on the front but just enough to get it started. Then flip it over to the back and hammer a few times. Continue alternating front and back until the snippet is completely flat on both sides.
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12
Apply diamond polishing compound to smooth and polish if desired.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Jewelry Resource Supply of Seattle
