A tutorial on shearing brass and nickle silver.
The video below shows how to accomplish these specific steps.
How To Shear Brass
- Prepare Breaker Bars
- Color Edge Of Brass Sheet Black With Felt Tip Pen
- Set Dividers To Desired Width Of Sheared Piece
- Using Dividers, Score Line In Black
- Deep Score Along Line With Scoring Tool
- Set Sheet In Breaker Bars And Flex Until It Fatigue Cracks
Breaker bars are powerful tools used in metalworking to cut and shape various materials, including brass. They provide precision and control, making them an excellent choice for creating brass strips of desired dimensions. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making brass strips using breaker bars, enabling you to produce professional-grade results.
Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Materials
Before you begin creating brass strips using breaker bars, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Brass sheet: Obtain a brass sheet of the desired thickness and dimensions for your brass strips. Make sure the sheet is clean and free from any debris or oxidation.
2. Breaker bars: Invest in high-quality breaker bars suitable for cutting brass. These bars typically have sharp cutting edges and are available in various sizes.
3. Safety gear: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask to protect yourself from metal shards and dust during the cutting process.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure and mark the dimensions of the brass strips you want to create. Make accurate pencil marks along the brass sheet to guide your cutting process. Double-check your measurements to ensure precision and accuracy.
Step 3: Secure the Brass Sheet
To prevent the brass sheet from shifting or moving during the cutting process, secure it firmly to a workbench or cutting surface. You can use clamps or heavy objects to hold it in place securely. This stability will help you achieve clean and consistent cuts.
Step 4: Position the Breaker Bars
Take the breaker bars and position them on the brass sheet, aligning them with the marked cutting lines. Ensure that the cutting edges of the breaker bars are positioned correctly for optimal cutting efficiency.
Step 5: Apply Pressure and Make the Cut
With a firm grip on the breaker bars, apply steady pressure and move them along the marked cutting lines. The sharp cutting edges will penetrate the brass sheet, gradually creating the desired strips. Maintain a consistent pace and pressure to achieve uniform cuts.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once you have completed the cutting process, examine the brass strips for any rough or uneven edges. If necessary, use a metal file or sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and refine the edges of the strips. This step will ensure a clean and professional finish.
Step 7: Clean and Polish
After creating the brass strips, clean them using a mild metal cleaner or a solution of water and soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry the strips completely. If desired, you can further polish the brass strips using a brass polish or a polishing cloth to enhance their appearance.
Using this technique we are able to shear brass strips from .1 mm brass sheet into 3 mm ho scale wide pieces.
Thicker materials, being more difficult to fatigue crack in breaker bars, have a wider ho scale minimum width. Be sure to watch our videos on working brass in our YouTube Channel
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