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[fullboat]

Can any one help with working with 0.5mm brass wire. I need to make a ladder about 10mm wide and rungs 6mm apart and am having a little trouble.
I'm attempting to solder rungs on at the moment but as you can imagine as you solder one part the rest will release with the heat.
Do i just need to persevere or is there another way.

:'(

[Colin Bishop]

Make up a jig out of stripwood a bit longer and wider than the ladder. Cut notches at the ends for the uprights and down each side at the level of each rung. Bind the uprights with wire firsr and then wind wire round the jig for the rungs using the notches to position them. Then solder the whole lot and cut the ladder from the jig with nippers. Clean up and paint.

[fullboat]

Thanks very much Colin. The solution is obvious. Much appreciated.

Andy 

[Philipsparker]

Take a look at model railway suppliers - you may be able to buy an etched ladder that will do the job. Also look at Plastistruct as they do some nice moulded ABS ones.

Phil

[Colin Bishop]

The solution is obvious.

Lots of "obvious" things are only obvious when explained so never be afraid to ask.

As the others say, you can proably buy something off the shelf but it's always more satisfying to make your own. There are other options too. You could make the uprights as a pair from brass strip and drill holes for the rungs, then secure the uprights in position on a block of balsa or similar and solder the rungs in. This method can also be used successfully with plasticard strip and rod.

Colin

[fullboat]

Much fun making own and solving a problem.
New skill learnt , great deal of satisfaction and brain cogs have been oiled.
 

[Philipsparker]

Normally I'd agree that making something yourself is better than buying in but with ladders your work has to sooooo consistant that I'd buy in. This sort of job needs at least a jig or the minor errors will stand out a mile. The human eye is very good at spotting irregularities.

Phil

[keesdemol]

Hello,

Building it yourself is not only much more fun, but it is also much better looking (if build properly).
The photo-etch ladders are fine, but everybody will notice them as NOT build yourself.

Regards, Kees

[Philipsparker]

The key phrase here is "(if build properly)". Get it even slightly wrong and it will look terrible. I'd maintain ladders are very difficult to get spot on as a single rung slightly out will stand out a mile.

Then everyone says "Why didn't he just buy an etched ladder".

Of course you could do a mix. Etched ladders are very flat - add a wire on top of the sides and you give it more depth.

Phil