Best way to cut long strips of 1/700-1/350 metal treading?

[Dan K]

I've experimented with a few options in cutting brass sheet PE of IJN metal treading into long, thin strips (for flight deck edging), but most seem to cause the strip to curl or warp excessively. I was wondering if anyone had some reasonably success with this. Thx.

[oneslim]

Dan K,

What You need is an old 'Guillotine' paper cutter. I have one that was my Dad's from the fifties, He was a photographer, used it for trimming prints. I can cut 1mm strips in 0.020 brass with no problem.

It's a wood 14" square with a steel edge on the right, and a cutter arm hinged at the top on the right. The board is marked with 1/4" squares. Just raise the arm, line up the material, and bring the arm down to make perfect cuts.

Hope this Helps,

Bob W

[Dan K]

Great idea, Bob. I remember those so well. No clue where I might find one to borrow. THx.

[VinceMcCullough]

You can get paper cutters at most office stores -- Staples, OfficeMax, etc. They are not very expensive, and very handy to have around. Just keep them away from kids if you have any.

Vince McCullough

[Dan K]

Good to know. Thx, Vince

[mark pfaff]

Or you could do it like David Griffith show in his book, chapter 3, page 33, paragraph 31. If you don't have the book you use a pointed blade and metal straight edge to make numerous light passes until you cut through. The trick to eliminate curling is to start and stop the cut short of the edge of the sheet of brass.

[Dan K]

Since I don't have David's book (am I the only one at this point? ), that is a very useful tip as well. Thx, Mark.