Steve B wrote:
I am going to do some decorative work with thin copper sheeting. When you
get into the really thin stuff, like about as thick as matchbook paper, is
there an easy way to accurately cut it? The pieces would be cut at right
angles. I know I can use snips, but that leaves a slight ridge, and I never
can get a really straight cut. On some decorative items, I will just have
to use snips of various sorts until I get the right combination.

Would a heavy duty paper cutter do the deed? Might still leave a small
ridge, but that could be hammered down. Anyone have any experience with
this?

Steve



Another method not mentioned might be acid etching. Spray all sides of the
sheet with some kind of insulator (a primer or draftsman's spray) and scribe a
thin line on both sides where you want the cut. Then place the sheet into a
vertical-standing vat of Iron Chloride (FeCl, radio shack copper etching
solution) or Ammonium Persulphate. Both work best when the solution is warmed,
such as with an aquarium heater. Agitate the sheet occasionally and the exposed
copper will be consumed. The least copper consumed, the longer the solution will
last. Intricate designs can be made this way. Iron and steel parts can also be
dipped in the solution to create a rough surface, like what is desirable on
firearms.