OT: making shims

It depends on how thick the shim is, how delicate the pattern and how accurate it has to be. The first thing is to transfer the shape to the steel by scriber, pencil or spraying paint like a stencil. For thin shim, scissors can be used to cut it. For the thicker stuff, snips will do. Holes are always a problem. For very thin steel, wad punches used carefully will work. Otherwise a combination of snips and fine files. If possible, make the holes oversize, it makes fitting easier as they are less critical. Do remember that shims do not always have to be the same shape or size as the component they are fitting. Sometimes two part shims will work well.

John

Thanks for the reply but can you cut shim steel with snips or scissors

Rich

It depends how thick.......... ttfn Roland

Rich,

If you are bothered about distortion from drilling etc, I was taught to trap the shim between two pieces of say tufnol and machine it or drill it that way. You can clamp it through your intended holes etc.

Mart> It depends how thick..........