Re: [FT] Assembly and Storage

<snip>

>Failing a dremel, a fine hacksaw blade or a modelling 'razor saw' are
>probably the best ways to cut brass. A regular razor knife (X-acto,
>whatever) will cause the most deformation, although it will cut thin
>brass. (I think X-Acto might make a serrated-edge blade for their
knives.
>I seem to recall seeing them; if X-acto does make them, they might
work.)

They do, and it does.  I forget the X-acto product code for the small
saw
blades, but they have a very fine serration.  I use these a lot when I'm
converting metal minis, and they cut through pewter just fine.	I've
also
used them to cut brass tube, and works fine too.  I think these are
actually better than a Dremel with a cutting disk, unless you have a
bench-vise to clamp the brass tube in.	The brass will get HOT
otherwise,
and it is kind of difficult to keep a straight, parallel edge to the cut
with a Dremel.	You'll still need to file or sand the edge of the cut,
so
might as well do it with hand knife/saw blade.	Takes longer, but I
think
you get better control over the cut.

These X-acto blades look like parallelograms, and fit best in one of the
slimmer X-acto knife handles (as opposed to the standard model)...  I
couldn't find them in stores, because they are more of a specialty item
(few people use them for anything), but the X-acto catalogue in my local
rail-road specialist shop had them, and the store ordered them for me.
Very reasonable price.

X-acto make a larger saw blade for their knives, with bigger teeth that
is
suitable for cutting balsa but *not* metal.  These ones are longer, and
come to more of a point.

Adrian