brass bending

[hornbeam]

I'm thinking of starting to build some kits that have brass etches that will require bending up. Just wondering what you guys use and any tips.

Thanks,

Si.

 

[bobg]

Ross is absolutely right. Get it right first time. The problem with brass is that it does what is called "work hardens" that means that the more you bend it the tougher it gets. If you bend it too often, it will crack or split along the bend. It only takes a couple of goes with brass. Brass is also notoriously difficult to get sharp corners on bends so again, get it right first time and it's much less of a problem.

Don't be frightened of it, give it a go. As with everything, 'practice makes perfect'. Test your technique on a bit of scrap first.

Good luck.