What do i use to cut there Stainless steel material? Dont think scissors or diagonal cutters would do a good job. Any ideas as tool to cut it? Thanks.
Tin snips?
Dave
Actually, Dave is right. Look at the Micro Mark web site under hand tools, scissors and shears.
I use a study scissors for the tread and grating materials, like the morton and apex sheets.
I asked this same question to Kieth, at PMP, a couple of years ago, and said to check the Micro Mark site, or any shears made for modeling, or even a scissors. He didn’t reccomend any specific model or type, just whatever works.
There used to be a shears on ebay for this type of cutting, but I haven’t seen the ad in awhile, so I too, will end up getting something from Micro Mark.
Mike.
While a bit overkill, what about a hack saw?
How about a cut-off wheel in a Demel or equivalent, IF you securely tape the part and the remainder of the sprue down on a flat, sacrificial surface so they don’t fly off into infinity when finally separated.
I also use a pair of heavy duty shears, which do work but can be a bit of a pain to position to free the smaller fiddly parts (like model truck rear view mirrors). I use an old pair of sprue cutter on the SS metal (the new cutters are reserved for plastic only), and it works OK (some filing needed afterward)…
I have been using these for the past ten yrs. I cut a lot of Stainless etched parts and these do a great job, without distorting or bending any material like snips will. Plus it’s great for cutting precision parts, right up to the tip of tool. A little pricey for some people…But I never scrimp, on a good tool.
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/xur/xur9180et.htm
I also use a lot of music wire/piano wire and have a tool for that also.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
A regular hack saw blade, Will not cut Stainless steel…period.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Will take a look at the micro mark website.
How about this one?
http://www.micromark.com/xuron-professional-photo-etch-scissor,9835.html
or this one
I would rather buy the one in the link I provided from Hobbylinc…it is the same one that Micromark is selling with their part # and is cheaper. The second one You provided the link to, is not for cutting stainless, only softer metals, tin, copper, brass, thin sheets and plastic.
XURON #9180 is the one I have and is still as sharp as new 10yrs. ago. I use it a lot.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Frank, will this work for cutting Plano’s sheet stock, or only cutting sprue for parts? I need one more for the sheet stuff, such as diamond plate and grating material.
Mike.
Mike,
I have used them for cutting a little over 1/64th inch Stainless steel sheet, without a problem…I don’t believe the Plano material is as hard as Stainless steel or as thick.
I know for sure…they will cut a General Stainless Steel Model Railroad ruler in Half…I’ve done it. LOL
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
So far I can’t figure it out. What is Plano material? Stainless, I gather, and thin enough to cut.
OK Frank, thanks. My order is in. [:D]
Mike.
EDIT: Henry, check out the web site. Lots of great detailing stuff. I’ a regular customer.
Mike,
You should have no problem at all cutting that Plano etched Stainless Steel parts. Plano is a name brand…not a material. I have been using A-Line etched Stainless Steel parts for quite a few yrs. all the trucks in the pic’ have Stainless Steel mirrors, grabs, wipers and turn signals and a few scratched parts made out of stainless:
I used to use stainless a lot when I restored My Trucks/Cars yrs. ago…but I have a Plasma cutter for that…I owned My own Trucking business at one time…along with race cars…not bragging…just alot of hard work that paid off…been retired for going on 15yrs. now.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
I just had to bring this back. My order arrived, and the shears work great! When the mail arrived, I left my garden tractor project sit on the garage apron, while I went down to the work bench and tried the shears. Thanks Frank ! I should have bought these a long time ago. Am I a slow learner? [(-D], a few of weeks ago, I discovered how much help the Optivisor is!
Mike.
Which one did you bye? been thinking of getting a optvisor also.
Mike,
Nothing beat’s having the ‘‘correct’’ tool for the job! [swg]
I can’t use one of those Optivisor’s…I’m more comfortable with the round 7’’ with light swing arm Magnifier…don’t have to keep swinging it up. I’ve got glaucoma and the last few yr’s. it’s darn near impossible to read or see anything up close…one day at a time.
BTW: That’s one big reason why I like the Silver solder paste…believe Me it is a lot easier to use, than holding solder to a joint…with the paste…You have one hand free…plus it’s a stronger joint.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Fourt, I bought this one from Walthers,
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/240-1868
You can get one with just one lense, I bought the complete set. You can find them on line at many different places.
Mike.
Which cutting shear did you bye also?