[ARC5] Rivets

[Mike Hanz]

On 12/26/2010 10:50 PM, Kenneth G. Gordon wrote:
> Is it possible to reproduce the riveting that was used to hold the
> nomenclature plates on the top of the ARC-5 receivers?

Of course!  All you need is a lathe with a radius attachment and some 
aluminum rod.  http://aafradio.org/garajmahal/radius_tool.htm shows that 
part of it.  The more difficult part is setting the rivet once you have 
it made.  It requires a setting tool with a profile that I would 
describe as a high speed photo of a water drop crater...basically an 
annular ring the forms the tail of the hollow rivet stem over into a 
neat ring during compression.  You can approximate it with center 
punches with several different angles, but the right tool is a lot 
easier to use and makes a factory looking finish on the rivet.

Happy New Year,
Mike  KC4TOS