08-25-2007, 05:43 PM
Ave!
Not to be sounding mean, but I'm kind of relieved the pop rivets didn't work! You will be MUCH happier with real rivets or even copper nails. Rivets aren't expensive, though they usually have to be mail-ordered and you usually have to buy a lot more than you need for one project. Copper carpet tacks may actually be an option, though I haven't tried them for something like this. The Legio XX page on armoring hints has a section on rivets.
Yes, oil will eventually soak through the leather if you put enough on it. I usually dye the leather first (after cutting out the piece), then oil both sides, and THEN put the plates on. But natural brown is fine.
If you can't get good apron studs, I'd recommend either just making the apron without studs for now, or leaving the apron off entirely. Both options are acceptable, and again, you won't have to re-build anything or feel bad about using bad studs. You have good leather and great plates, there, so if you avoid modernisms and blatant shortcuts you'll end up with a belt you can really be proud of.
Keep at it!
Matthew
Not to be sounding mean, but I'm kind of relieved the pop rivets didn't work! You will be MUCH happier with real rivets or even copper nails. Rivets aren't expensive, though they usually have to be mail-ordered and you usually have to buy a lot more than you need for one project. Copper carpet tacks may actually be an option, though I haven't tried them for something like this. The Legio XX page on armoring hints has a section on rivets.
Yes, oil will eventually soak through the leather if you put enough on it. I usually dye the leather first (after cutting out the piece), then oil both sides, and THEN put the plates on. But natural brown is fine.
If you can't get good apron studs, I'd recommend either just making the apron without studs for now, or leaving the apron off entirely. Both options are acceptable, and again, you won't have to re-build anything or feel bad about using bad studs. You have good leather and great plates, there, so if you avoid modernisms and blatant shortcuts you'll end up with a belt you can really be proud of.
Keep at it!
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
