A Flare for Tubing
A custom-made tube-rivet is a rare combination of aesthetic beauty and functional utility.
Spend an evening with renowned jeweler Keith Lo Bue and learn to make this simple and elegant connector that will take your work to another level!
• Tubing Copper, brass, nickle or silver can be used, although I'd recommend copper or brass to learn with. A set of different diameters can be found here:
NOTE: It's NOT necessary to get both!! Buy and bring whichever you prefer.
• Dapping punches A perfect small and cheap set is <Here> If you don't own any, Harbor Freight has a decent set (with block included) that's very cheap. NOTE: Don't bring the dapping BLOCK if you have a whole set, just the punches (pictured in the link).
• Small steel clamp-on bench vise <Here> Make sure you don't bring an aluminum vise, or one that swivels on a ball joint (usually has rubber jaws). You'll need a proper steel vise to hold the work securely.
• If your vise doesn't have a small flat anvil surface on it, you'll need a small steel bench block. <Here>
• Small 4oz. hammer Can't find a cheaper one than this <Here> NOTE: Don't bring a huge ball-pein hammer, we'll really need this little one.
• If you are driving to the workshop, can I ask that one more of you please bring a small creme brulée type butane torch? <Here's> what they look like. I can't put this on the supply list officially, since those flying can't bring them. As long as we have one or two in class, we'll be good to go.
• a power drill <Here> Even though it's an amazing tool that you will be VERY happy to own, if you're feeling pinched for money, you can borrow this from me, so don't sweat it.
• A set of drill bits Any set of regular steel or titanium drill bits will do. <Here's> a great one that has everything you need:
Note: Steer away from 'Pilot-Point' drill bits - no good for us…
• Jewelers saw <Here> and bring a dozen size 3/0 blades <Here> NOTE: Not all saw frames are alike. The one in the link is a very reliable and quality frame, so if you don't have a saw frame yet, don't risk getting an inferior design.
• Lots of various objects to rivet together!! Metal, wood, plastic, book board, hard rubber - all are perfect. Coins and sheet metal are obvious choices, but the objects you bring can be hollow, so there are lots of things to choose from. Note: Although I'll talk about tube-riveting glass, ceramic and stone (and hope to have time to demo that), I won't be getting involved in having everyone drilling those particular materials - it's too time consumptive in a short class format.
Please email me with any questions you might have that this page didn't address.
See you there! Keith
