Cheap star sizing screens

[qwezxc12]

Found a cheap source for punched metal screens...from a supplier I use for work:

Online Metals - perforated sheet

 

Up till now, I had used drilled mini-loaf pans but the thin metal made it a pain to drill the larger size holes without ragged edges, so I never got good screens for stars over 1/4" or so. I just bought 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" perf sheets, 12"x12" for $61 shipped...good deal and much cheaper than McMaster-Carr's. They're punched, not laser cut, so they have a smooth radii on the "top" side on the holes...perfect. They also have T-304 SS perf sheet, but's that's too spendy @ ~$50 / sheet, so I'll give the hot roll a whirl and try to keep them from rusting.

 

I'll be cutting and affixing them to the bottom of wood frames (maybe 8"x8" or so) for star sizing. Now I just need to find the time...I still have pins and UHMW sheet for 3/8" and 1/2" star plates I haven't finished, yet...grumble.

Edited August 28, 2008 by qwezxc12

[FrankRizzo]

Nice! I've been watching perf sheet on eBay for a bit, and selling prices are very close to what Online Metals wants. I might suggest that anyone reading purchase aluminum instead though. The mild steel will rust very quickly if not washed and oiled after use. Edited August 28, 2008 by FrankRizzo

[lostfido]

Great idea, should be a real time saver.

 

Thanks for posting the link also, makes it almost too easy.

[TheSidewinder]

Heya qwe, please post this in the Supplier Review as well. It looks like a decent resource.

[Richtee]

Nice! I've been watching perf sheet on eBay for a bit, and selling prices are very close to what Online Metals wants. I might suggest that anyone reading purchase aluminum instead though. The mild steel will rust very quickly if not washed and oiled after use.

 

Hey Frank...what about a good cleaning on the stuff and a coat of the pretty darn good rust preventative paints? A spray of the Rustoleum HD paints..or maybe an epoxy type?