What is the best way to cut thin sheet brass, the type that would be used for photo etch, for part fabrication?
I use a good pair of scissors. I also occasionally score thin brass with an X-acto, then bend back and forth till it breaks (for straight cuts only).
Are you cutting larger sheets into smaller ones to make photo etch or are you cut PE parts from the fret?
If you’re looking for a hand tool to cut brass to make parts… Xuron’s 9180ET Pro PE Scissors.
Thanks for the responses.
Gerald… to make straight or cuts cuts in sheet brass or other metal like form a soda can. Would those work for that and what would be the advantage over a quality pair of scissors?
For cutting soda cans…either some of those large old fashion dress makers scissors or tin snips.
The new Xurons look good .I have a set of the old ones ,they worked great here on a Humbrol tin I used as a wheel hub seam cover.
Remember to try out on scrap. Also watch the feed of the metal as it separates top and bottom ,try to help it along by separating the two edges,this way you will see and feel the tool engage the metal instead of having to push the tool into the metal.
I also have an old second hand paper cutter that I will use to cut long strips out of flat sheet or trim sheets into more conducive sizes. Back in the day modelers used to scrounge the aluminum and brass sheets used for printing. It can still be found but it is hard and like gold when you do.
!(http://heavydutypapercutter.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_16/custom/rotator/heavy duty paper cutter 5.jpg)
A good place to find these are at business and government auctions. The one I picked up cost me something on the order of $20 and another $10 to have blade resharpened. You can buy a new one for the same price today…only they are made using more plastic and the blades are not replaceable.
Never thought of that. I have an old one of those.