Cutting brass ?

I'd use Offset Long Cut Aviation Snips.  Something like this where the handle is at an angle, keeping your hands out of the way of where the material feeds through the cutting jaws a few inches into the cut.  This offset and longer cutting jaws minimize the bend introduced into the metal strip during cutting.

@SteveH posted:

I'd use Offset Long Cut Aviation Snips.  Something like this where the handle is at an angle, keeping your hands out of the way of where the material feeds through the cutting jaws a few inches into the cut.  This offset and longer cutting jaws minimize the bend introduced into the metal strip during cutting.

Thanks, I have a few diffent styals of these I'll give them a try.

Dave:

It may be easier just to return them for 1/8 wide strips.
Joe

If you can't find the 1/8 inch I suggest a paper cutter. Because the strips are only .016 thick you can also try clamping a straight edge on the strip and use an Exacto blade you don't mind tossing out afterwards.

@Joe Fauty posted:

Dave:

It may be easier just to return them for 1/8 wide strips.
Joe

Absolutely. You're not going to be able to cut those straight with snips w/o it wandering and curling, and cut edges are going to be a mess.  If you have access to as good metal shear, you'd have better luck.

+3 on buying narrower strips assuming you don’t have a sharp metal shear. Even those would have a problem with what you have now. If you had a large sheet, say 8x12 then you could use a shear to cut off small strips.

Something like this.

Pete

Were I in need of 1/8" brass strips of the same thickness/length...

1) Start with a larger sheet of the brass...K&S 16404, 6" wide (in stock at Walthers/dealers, <$10)

2) Take it to a local metal shop with a brake shear and have them cut as many 1/8" strips as they can accurately control for the desired results.  The accuracy/consistency/quality of the strips and cut edges will be better than starting with 1/4" wide stock.

3) AND, I can only imagine the shop will be more appreciative (i.e., give you a better job $$ with a smile) having a larger single sheet to work with.

Just an opinion...FWIW, mind you.

Save your 1/4" strips for another job...or grovel for a swap at your smiling LHS dealer.

Plasma cutter?

Cutting those brass strips is a close to impossible job.  On the other hand, you can get what you want for $1.89, plus shipping

https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/k+s/k+s8232.htm

There are a number of suppliers of K&S metals, who make these

If K&S does not have what you want, try Albion Alloys:

https://www.mmodelstore.com/albionalloys.aspx

@AlanRail posted:

Plasma cutter?

Nah, go with the x-ray pumped laser.......

I do it all the time, with Wiss -7 shears.  They are 15" long with 3 1/2" jaws.

I use .032 for ladder sides, valve gear rods, and tender steps.  Once I cut it it takes tapping with a hammer to straighten the curl and a couple strokes with a file on the edges.

Still, easier to buy the strips (getting pricey, tho).

I definetly couldn't find the size I needed or I would have bought it. I tried a few different tin snips and settled on a good pair of sissors. It does curl and gets very sharp edges but it will be workable. Thanks for your replies.

When I made a new pilot for one of my steam engines, I also needed narrow strips of brass.   I hammered out a 1/16 piece of rod to make a flat strip.   I did not need much for length so it was a solution that worked for me.   Good luck with your project!

Cheers, Dave

I buy phosphor bronze and brass from Tichy Train Group

They (usually) have a good inventory and are great to deal with.

John

EDIT:  Looks like they only have wire now.