How to Cut Shapes Out of Brass

Tin Snips

• 1

  Trace the shape to cut out of the brass on a sheet of paper with the pencil. Cut out the design to create a template.

• 2

  Place the template on the brass sheet and trace an outline with the felt tip marker.

• 3

  Pick up the tin snips with one hand and hold the brass sheet with another. You can also secure the brass sheet to a table or bench with clamps.

• 4

  Cut along the outline with the tin snips. Use a hawk's bill snip for a rounded shape as these have blades that are curved.

• 5

  File the sharp edges smooth with the metal file.

Metal Cutting Tools

• 6

  Draw the shape to cut out of the brass onto paper. Cut out the design and transfer it to the brass sheet by making an outline with the felt tip marker.

• 7

  Pour a small amount of mineral oil along the outline.

• 8

  Attach the metal cutoff wheel to the end of the angle grinder. Plug the power cord for the angle grinder into an electrical outlet.

• 9

  Press the trigger and begin cutting. Follow the direction of the outline to cut the shape out of the brass.

• 10

  File any sharp edges of the cut out shape smooth with the metal file.