Hi MB1 ,
Strip about 7/8 inch wide would be OK . Just enough rivets to hold strip in place .
Holding boiler barrel closed and clamping the strip in place at same time can be a bit awkward .
If you've made a wooden former plane a flat on one side , assemble the boiler on the former and close it up with string then slip the cover strap in – gives you a solid set up and something to hold for drilling .
MikeW
PS Before doing any actual silver soldering you might like to work out the order of assembly of the various parts and how many different heats will be needed . Generally the fewer heats the better .
Also decide means of staying firebox . LBSC suggested screwed rod and solder but better now to use silver soldered stays . I mention this because the order of assembly of the boiler is different in each case .
Always a good idea to do the main barrel joint using a slightly higher melting point silver solder .
Remember that the joining strip has to be cut short at the front end to allow the front tubeplate to go in far enough .
Edited By MICHAEL WILLIAMS on 20/02/2012 14:54:03