OK, i have the Avery 3x gun (bought new) and did some experimenting today. Here are my conclusions (confirming recommendations from posters here) My smilies were not on the rivet head, but on the base material.
1. Pressure is very important, 50-65 psi is a good range for -4 rivets
2. heavier sets take more air pressure: it took 5 more psi for the long offset than the short straight set.
3. Heaver, stiffer structure takes more pressure, it took +5 psi (short set) to actually set the rivet.
4. Light weight bucking bar also requires higher pressure than a heavy one.
5. Tape, masking and duct tape both provide additional clearance and cushioning, also they protect the head and it looks nicer after setting.
6. i was always holding my gun with the heel in my palm, and it really helps keep direct line of action should something bounce, but it won't bounce with the proper pressure ( low). This is particularly helpful with a swivel set for flush when solo to keep the set from walking off.
I double checked the set and it is correct per Avery site, but I still have a nagging feeling that the dimensions of the set are very critical and will discuss this with Avery to get their opinion. It seems the depth, shape and clearance to the parent material are very important. The rivet is much more loose that in the squeezer -4 set. I will post if modifications to provide some additional relief works.
Oh - - yes the "snap-socs" , i will definitely be getting some of these things.
Thanks again for all the considerate posts.
Sorry for the delay, I accidentally posted this to a parallel thread, so i copied and reposted here
