Scratchbuilding aluminum breathers (and other parts) without power tools!
A needle file, some sandpaper and a utility knife blade are the only tools involved. A small ruler or dial caliper (digital is even better!) will help for making several of the same size. A piece of wood is also required. Use 1/8" aluminum welding rod to represent a 3" diameter breather. | |
Getting a domed end on the end of the rod is the first step:Use the utility knife blade to cut the rod. Lay it on a piece of wood and roll the rod back and forth while pressing down firmly on the blade. Cutting the rod in this manner gives a nice "dome" to the cut end. | |
A bit of filing to smooth the ridges left from cutting, and some sanding (I use 400 or 600 grit) will leave a smooth, brushed finish with a nice dome to it. | |
The next step is to figure out how tall you want the finished part to be. I just "eyeball it", I haven't done any measurements, so I just go with what looks right. After you figure out where to make the cut, it's time to cut again. | |
The reason for rolling the rod across a piece of wood is that it allows the metal to deform, leaving a flared ridge at the cutting line. This is an important detail!! | |
Keep cutting all the way through the rod.Be careful as the tiny piece you are cutting off could go flying into oblivion! It's happened to me more than once! |