Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Detail Work, Rigging, Fittings, Figures Etc. => Topic started by: Rodgearing on August 05, 2019, 09:45:41 am

Title: Cutting thin brass
Post by: Rodgearing on August 05, 2019, 09:45:41 am

I am scratch building an ANTEO tug I have got the superstructure built now its just a matter of the fiddley bits like the windows of the bridge.
The windows of the bridge are finished with a brass surround.
I am ok with cutting and finishing the outer window shape its the cutting of the square (well rhombus shaped) inside windo shape how do I do it?
I can drill many and I mean many small holes and spending a life time filing it to shape but is there a small metal saw? Dunno

Please some one advise me or point me in the right direction please
Oh by the way the brass sheet is about a Mille (1 mm) thickThanks
Fred
Title: Re: Cutting thin brass
Post by: Colin Bishop on August 05, 2019, 10:52:19 am
You could use an adjustable frame piercing saw and a vice. Draw the inside shape of the window first, drill a hole, fit the blade through, saw out the middle with a bit in hand and then finish off with a file.

Cut out the outer frame afterwards to avoid it bending.

An example here but you can buy them at many places. Make sure you get plenty of fine metal cutting blades as you will probably break a few!

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=saw&PN=Modelcraft%2dAdjustable%2dPiercing%2dSaw%2dFrame%2dT_PSA5040%2ehtml#SID=1128 (https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=saw&PN=Modelcraft%2dAdjustable%2dPiercing%2dSaw%2dFrame%2dT_PSA5040%2ehtml#SID=1128)

Colin
Title: Re: Cutting thin brass
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 05, 2019, 01:07:05 pm
 
Some companies, like MAC Mouldings make windows frames, you might get lucky and he has the type / size you need, made in resin.

   Macs Mouldings
   Supplier of Larger Scale Modelling Accessories
        http://www.macsmouldings.co.uk/ (http://www.macsmouldings.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Cutting thin brass
Post by: frazer heslop on August 05, 2019, 01:46:10 pm
As already mentioned a Piercing saw is the way to go
This company has a range  of budget blades and frames for the cack handed like me. The blades cut well and last for a decent amount of time
Iv attached the download they do for using the saw.They also have a blade selection chart in the downloads
Cutting Saws (Hack, Piercing & Scroll) (https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/cutting-saws-hack-piercing-scroll)
Title: Re: Cutting thin brass
Post by: Vintage on August 05, 2019, 06:27:49 pm
Have you considered getting them brass etched?

There's a company up in Scotland that I've used in the past, when I worked as a model maker, and they were fantastic. You'd just need to draw up the artwork which is obviously considerably easier than actually cutting sheet brass...

You can find them here:  https://ppdltd.com (https://ppdltd.com)

Just an idea  :-))