I love new tools and gadgets that will make my jewelry experience easier.

Not yet! I took a class on rivets a few weeks ago, fascinated by the look the rivets bring, even more excited now with seeing this new tool. If I order soon, I'll let you all know how it goes!

I just got this new tool from Metal Clay Findings, I tried it out yesterday and was successful at completing a few rivets! I'm still experimenting with metal gauge and length of rivets, that is the trickiest part but the tool really helps in the whole process. It comes with complete instructions too!

thanks Joni Rae,

We must be on the same wave length these passed few days because I just downloaded a video that I bought from "beaducation" on "Riveting". There are a few tools I need to work along side the instructor and some were not available on line, but then I remembered the Metal Clay Findings discussion and was going to go on today and check them out. So I am thrilled that you went ahead and ordered the tool and it works. Your right about the trickiest part being the length of the wire or tube. I have been watching the video and its about an 1/8" long. not much to bang away at- thanks, Trish

I had the opportunity to take a class with Robert Dancik a few weeks ago at Peninsula Art School in Door, Co. WI. We worked on traditional rivets of all kinds, he even suggested this tool as an alternative to the traditional methods. I'm still experimenting with both methods and hope to incorporate them into my work over the winter! Trial and error in practice is what is needed, and a very patient teacher like Robert helps too!

OK, now I am jealous - that is exactly what I need - someone to stand over me and give me the pointers - I went on the site but what I don't understand about the rivets they sell is that one side has a large flat head and the other side remains a wire - so how do you get the opposite side to look as good as the manufactured side?

I believe it's all in the length of the rivet, if you have the right amount of wire the opposite side flattens out quite nicely. I used 18 gauge copper in my first attempt with the new tool and the instructions only give 22 gauge metal info, with what rivet you should be using. The opposite side flattens out ok, I could go back and file the excess away too. Robert Dancik has very clear instructions for traditional rivets in his book Amulets and Talismans. The book shows his technique with the use of large props so you can envision the overall process on a grander scale. I'll let you know more as I do my own experimenting with this new tool!

Oh, I'm glad the tool works! I kept going back to their booth at Purdue and they kept saying they were only demoing at certain times....hahhaa I mean there I was standing with cash money salivating and I never got to see it in action....so I finally gave up! I don't mind riveting in general but I do hate sawing tubing to make rivets so....I may have to look at this again!!!