Updated 19 November 2006
RIVETS!
Replacing rivets lost to sanding, accidents, and my huge bow mangling has been a problem. Now SOLVED! Thanks to “Futch” from futchfactor. This fellow created a rivet punch, and the results are astounding! My personal opinion is that the tool is PERFECT for 1:48 and above, and very acceptable for 1:72. See his site for details, but basically...
Just drill a shallow hole in a nail! It creates a bowl-shaped cavity, and when pressed to styrene, the results are a rivet! I have a $99 drill press, so was able to use that. I found that the punch dulls fast, and too much sharpening will change the shape and eventually leave you with a dead tool. I’ve made three. Drilling the hole is a pain. I wish I had the budget for a machine shop to zip me up a few hardened ones (tried hardening with a torch, didn’ seem very hard...).
Bottom line is, this is a brilliant idea, it’s a pain to make but results are well worth it. Some people have access (and skills) to real machine tools and have already made excellent tools, but it CAN be done with home materials.
Posted with permission from Futch
Slot Supports
Test fitting and experimenting with different construction methods for the supports behind long slot. using very thin material. Spacing seems to be on-center with rivets.
Test fitting slot supports
Slot Posts
Not sure what these posts really are, but a few pix show two per side.
Slot posts
Fun Stuff
Buy my submarine t-shirts and mugs at CafePress!
Just a small selection now, more to come (and open to suggestions).