Using Disc Cutter Shims

by Judy Larson
Disc cutters are handy tools for cutting out circles (or particular shapes). But know that you should always use a matching shim of sheet metal on the other side when using one.
Instructions
When using a disc cutter that closes, in order to secure the sheet metal in place, a shim of the same gauge metal sheet as the one being cut should be placed between the top and bottom of the cutter on the side opposite the hole being used to cut a disc.
The shim keeps the top and bottom of the cutter horizontally level or even with each other, making for a cleaner cut. If the top and bottom of the cutter are not horizontally level with each other, the cutter punch edges could be harmed as the "tube" they push through when cutting will be out of line as well.
These 1" x 2" shims are stamped with the number of the gauge copper sheet they were cut from. Brass, a harder metal, would be a better alternative. Having these handy makes it easy to always be ready to use a shim in the disc cutter.
Judy Larson's Using Disc Cutter Shims - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, disc cutter shims

Materials

18 Gauge 0.040 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-704.18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.53
  • Gold Club Price: $13.90
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20 Gauge 0.032 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-704.20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.80
  • Gold Club Price: $10.35
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22 Gauge 0.025 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-704.22
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.03
  • Gold Club Price: $8.27
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24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-704.24
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.98
  • Gold Club Price: $6.74
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Tools

Small Disc Cutter, 7 Pieces
DAP-400.10
  • DAP-400.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $46.95
  • Gold Club Price: $35.21
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Large Disc Cutter
DAP-410.10
  • DAP-410.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $55.95
  • Gold Club Price: $41.96
Out of Stock
Cut Lube
BUR-180.00
  • BUR-180.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools