Tool for simulating rivets and panel lines

[Alan King]

I have been experimenting for a while with a rotary tool I have made for simulating flush rivets and with a simple addition panel lines can be made too. Despite selling most of my models I have a 1/4 scale spitfire which I have used to experiment covering in Ali tape and marking panel lines etc.

So here's the big question, how useful would a tool like this be , it can mark primer too.

I am looking at producing a batch, the rivet head simulation is about 1.5mm for this one but any size can be made but in reality one smaller then 1mm best thing to use is a rotary pattern wheel as used for marking in cloth manufacture.

Any feed back will be appreciated.

[Phil Clark]

Sounds interesting

Phil

[Cary Bailey]

Do pray tell! Pictures are always good.
Cary

[Alan King]

IMG_20161126_160741_kindlephoto-383325966.jpg (275.05 KiB) Viewed 8057 times

IMG_20161126_160650_kindlephoto-383288729.jpg (280.42 KiB) Viewed 8057 times

Prototype and samples busy with more accurate tool but slow going so here are a few pics just to show how simple tool is.

IMG_20161126_160925_kindlephoto-383251214.jpg (189.39 KiB) Viewed 8056 times

[Ken Bones]

Sounds good

[Alan King]

Thread edited and few pics posted more to follow

[Mike Ellis]

I have used this method for years, using a dressmakers wheel. It's the same idea as your pics, although they are a bit more pointed.

[Alan King]

Yep me too but I made this one, the spikes are in fact 2mm studs mounted on a nylon base, so I get round marks.

[Barrie King]

There was a tool similar to this in every kit of the Regal Eagle by Paper Aviation, I've still got mine somewhere in the shed.

[Phil Clark]

How is the rivet head heated to 'melt' rivets into primer before top coat colour?

Will different heads be available with different diameter studs at different spacing's to cater for different model scales?

Phil

[Alan King]

Tool in prototype stage tips to unscrew as per a leather punch so various sizes can be fitted, well that's the idea, the pics show impressions made in Ali covering, the tool can be made heatable but if used on primer which is not yet dry it works well , the fact is Phil I may in all likelihood just explain how to make your own as the commercial manufacture may well be too small considering expense.