Here's an idea
So my problem is applying a row of rivets to an existing plastic model, one that I cannot punch rivets from the inside, and I came up with this idea. I haven't tried this yet but I want to try it.
My idea is to use a stencil, of sorts, to apply a row of rivets. I think a successful stencil could be made from very heavy vinyl tape. Now I don't have any of this type on hand, but I have seen it and I think it is used as a mickey-lickey fix it for plumbing jobs. It is much thicker than masking tape. An alternative to this may be two layers of duct tape.
First, I would have to make a tool to punch holes in the tape the size of rivets. Merely piercing the tape would not give a uniform shape so I would have to make a punch like a leather punch, but very small.
Once I have the punch made, with my two layers of duct tape applied to a plastic cutting board, I would measure out centers for each rivet along the line on the tape. I would probably only need to use a piece of the tape about half an inch wide. Then I would go down the row with the punch and punch a little hole on the centers I marked. Once this is done, peel off the tape and apply it to the model with the row of holes going down the center line of the row of rivets. Once tape was fastened satisfactorily, I would mix up some 5 minute epoxy and squeegie it down the tape, filling the holes and wiping off the excess. Once the glue has dried, peel off the tape and there should be a row of rivets.
As I said, I haven't tried this. One problem could be the epoxy sticking to the tape better than it sticks to the model and the rivets will come off with the tape. Perhaps a release could be applied to the tape before it is peeled off the plastic cutting board. Something like Pam cooking spray. Also, this technique would wind up giving you square topped rivets rather than a dome top. Is that a problem?
Anyways, it's something I'm going to try.
Always thinking,
TrainClown
