Cutting thick(isn) brass sheet

sbaxter · Post by **sbaxter** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 10:52 pm

One of my ridiculous projects is accurizing a 1/48th or so Delta-7 Jedi Starfighter (the one Obi-Wan used in AtoC) — it was originally part of some sort of handheld game with a handgrip attached to the bottom, which I sawed way and discarded probably 12 years ago. I've recently picked this thing up and started working on it again.

One of the things I need to do is replace the fin on the rear of the ship; the original has the right shape but was too thick. I've already used a razor saw to cut the original fin out, leaving a slot into which I can fit the replacement. I'm afraid a sheet styrene replacement of a more correct thickness would be too flimsy, so I'd like to use brass sheet. I have a brass sheet that is about .020" (I'm away from home and brought a box of stuff I can work on, but I have no way to get an exact measurement right now). So it is too thick to cut like paper as you might with the super-thin brass shims. What method can I use to cut this sheet that ill allow me to keep it flat?

Qapla'

SSB

Andrew Gorman · Post by **Andrew Gorman** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:17 pm

Just like styrene, score and snap. Or score all the way through. A plexiglas cutter blade works well.

sbaxter · Post by **sbaxter** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:19 pm

Andrew Gorman wrote:Just like styrene, score and snap. Or score all the way through. A plexiglas cutter blade works well.

Where would I find such a thing as a plexiglas cutter blade, and how expensive are they?

Upon doing some test-fitting last night, I might wind up using styrene after all. However, I also have access to a well-equipped machine shop, so I might see if they would cut a metal sheet for me, as they can do it with precision. Even so, I'd still like to know about the plexiglas cutter option …

Qapla'

SSB

Andrew Gorman · Post by **Andrew Gorman** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:28 pm

Here's the one I use:
https://www.interstateplastics.com/Hyde ... oCJQPw_wcB
and one at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Devil-1170-Pl ... B000BZZ1D0
A cheap and handy tool for cutting all kinds of sheet stock.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:31 pm

Jewelers saw. Very thin blade, highly directional. I'd recommend cutting slightly larger and filling to shape. http://www.widgetsupply.com/category/jeweler-saw.html