Models and metal work

[SuperStockAndy]

This is my last topic in this section for today....

Alright, I have a couple questions regarding doing metal work and using it on models.

1. What do you use to cut it with?

2. How do you bend it?

3. How thick is it, and do you use aluminum, steel, etc.?

This isn't for tubing or anything, just sheetmetal.

Thanks

[vintagestang]

Im not sure how thick you should use but usually it is shim stock. You can cut it with tin snips. I use steel. Bending all you have to do is make a jig. For a 90 degree bend take two pieces of wood the same length and width and screw it to gather. before it is screwed to gether fully, put your piece of metal in there and screw it down all the way. Next just bend the metal where it is in the jig but make sure you wear leather gloves so you don't cut yourself.

[Kit Basher]

I like using aluminum for some parts. It's stronger than plastic for a given thickness. If it's relatively thin (.020 or less) you can work it like plastic. It can be cut by scribing with a knife and then bending it back and forth until it breaks. You can file or sand it, drill it with your regular drills, and bend it either freehand or on forms. For sharp bends, Patrick's suggestion is a good one. It's sort of a mini version of the "bending brake" used for 1:1 sheet metal. It will glue with CA but epoxy is better. HTH