Re: Bell cap how to

[Magnus]

Matt.

Where you say that I have shown no evidence of the inner countersink base line being above that of the base line of the dome, it becomes very clear that if this countersink as shown by Jurjen is punched out on a domed former it cannot be anything but above it.

On the contrary, Jurjen's reconstruction shows that the innner diameter is essentially on the same plane as the outer. On any soft surface like leather where there is some downwards force (like from the peened rivet), both inner and outer edges will be in contact. I would also argue that since these are not being built by a machine, but rather a human, that each piece will have differences to it. Again, your evidence is not even remotely convincing! And I'm still waiting for it lol.

And I would not base my conclusions on how an ancient artifact worked on a modern reconstruction. C'mon now...

Then where you say that a bellcap serves the same function as a washer in terms of a fastener, it becomes clear that you are ignoring or are not aware of the poundage difference between a bellcap and a flat washer which I have already explained, The bellcap of course does also have this added feature where it is less likely to snag a tunic or other material, however it is the engineering aspect of riveting pressure that both Jurjen and I have been trying to get across.

Oh really? So what you're saying then, is that the reason the Romans used bell cap washers, vs regular ones, is due to some "engineering" feature, vs preservation of equipment. I would LOVE to see you show evidence for that! Especially given the fact that the bell cap washer and regular washer do in fact serve the same purpose, with the difference in material protection (ie lack of sharp corners) for a bell cap washer. If they were such an engineering marvel, why not as much widespread use?

So it's not that I'm ignorant of your "reasoning", I'm just aware enough of the fact that it is completely irrelevant to pay no heed to it. Please try not to be insulted by this, but nothing presented by you so far has been strong enough or even provocative enough to make me think...hmmm...he may have a point here.