What's the best way to cut brass sheet/shim?

[jdmyers4]

I have some 0.02-inch brass sheet that I want to use for pen segmenting. What's the best way to get smooth cut strips?

 

[VisExp]

I use a heavy duty paper cutter to cut my aluminum and brass sheet. However the thickest sheet I've used and cut is 30 gauge which is 0.010" A paper cutter may work on 0.02"

 

[leehljp]

I just accept that I can't do that and cut the size and shape that I want. THEN, I place the cutouts between sheets of thick plywood or usually flat 1/2" thick steel and hit it with a hammer to flatten it. I have been doing that for 3 to 4 years.

AS a help in cutting "rings" or "washers", I place a sheet of 4 x 12 inch brass between 1/2" sheets of plywood that is oversize by 1 in on each side. Then I screw the two sheets of plywood together about every two inches. Next, I mark a grid and drill holes the size that I want. Take the screws out and use sheers to cut my washers around the holes.

Pound them flat as mentioned in the first paragraph.

That is the way I made the rings for this pen and others:
http://www.penturners.org/photos/images/940/1_Best_pen.jpg

 

[KenV]

Do you need the edges smooth, or do you want smooth surfaces?

I tape or glue brass sheet to plywood and cut strips with the bandsaw. Strips are flat but the edges have tooth marks.

I need smooth edges -- I put the strips between two pieces of plywood and cut the edge (joint the edge) with a table saw. Touch up with a fine file.

be more specific to get more specific techiniques from experience.

 

[jdmyers4]

Hank - that's it! Exactly what I want to do. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bob Hewson]

I have some 0.02-inch brass sheet that I want to use for pen segmenting. What's the best way to get smooth cut strips?

I have had good luck cutting thin copper and brass by sandwhiched between two pieces of 1/8" plywood and using my scroll saw with a fine blade (2/0 crown tooth) at a meium speed. Clean smooth edge is the result.

Bob

 

[jdmyers4]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I'll give them a try.

 

[Woodlvr]

Great suggestion Hank and by the way GORGEOUS pen.

 

[DurocShark]

I've just been using my bandsaw and the metal on a 1/8" piece of ply, not attached in any way. Just as a backer.

 

[tommyd]

I just clamp sheet together with wood and use a stanly cutter to score edge a couple of times and then just bend sheet until it breaks.

 

[sparhawk]

I use tin snips for most.