Lookin' for sources

[scottg]

Steel rivets are very forgiving. Buttery soft. Unless you are going to do them cherry hot regardless, they will be softer than iron rivets.

Your bellows tacks will be a problem I am afraid. But since you have a forge, I would suggest you make a nail header and do your own. They say a guy can do them in seconds when he gets accustomed to the job.
Maybe buy some cut nails and make a header and rehead to the proper size them?
   
I like Aldren Watsons,  Colonial Craftsmen.  I just do.
I got that book early, have had it 35 years or more, and I go back to it over and over.
It is not a highly detailed text, but it always has enough to get you going, and the man could draw.
   yours Scott

[Branson]

Yeah, Watson sure could draw!  I haven't seen his Colonial Craftsmen, so I better start looking for a copy.  Jack Andrews was no slouch at drawing either.  Both men were professional illustrators, which might explain why.

Thank you for the heads up on steel rivets!  I like it when things get simpler.  And speaking of simpler, take a look at the photo.  It looks to me like roofing nails can do the job.

[keykeeper]

Re: Rivets

When I went to Quad-State Blacksmithing Roundup in 2008, there was a guy there with KEGS of rivets for sale. I think they were $2-3 a pound regardless of size. I bought a few pounds, but never thought about getting more. You might check the SOFA website to see if they have a classified. He might still be selling them....he had thousands upon thousands, in just about every size/length imaginable.

[Branson]

What's SOFA?  The only thing my search finds is Sculpture Objects & Functional Art.  Is that it?

[keykeeper]

Sorry bud, I should have posted a link!

Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil Blacksmith Association....

http://www.sofablacksmiths.org/

I didn't see a classified section, but maybe if you contact them someone will know who sells rivets, if they still do, etc.

Great group of blacksmiths, the roundup in the fall is a GOOD time to be had!!

[scottg]

It looks to me like roofing nails can do the job.

  Ooops my bad.
Edwin Tunis, Colonial Craftsmen
    another illustrator
  I remembered it as Watson, but I went to check.

  Good looking bellows!
  Toss a couple handfulls of roof tacks in a plastic coffee can of vinegar, on the bock porch, for a couple weeks........
  yours, always simple when I get the chance
       Scott