Alternative to PE screen needed

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:07 am

Hello all,

I need an alternative to Photo Etched screen, but just as fine. I'll need large amounts for a project that I started lately (link below left). If I purchased Photo Etch for this, it would destroy my bank account.

I looked at coffee filters, but the screen is too fine. I also consider window screen, but the screen is woven and too large.

I'll need sheets of brass as well, and I'll purchase this at my local auto parts store (brass shim stock)

Any suggestions on the brass screen would be appreciated.

Johnnycrash · Post by **Johnnycrash** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:35 am

scratchy wrote: (link below left).

Where?? I don't see no link.

So, what's the project?? Just how much area of mesh do you need?? Square, round, or odd shaped areas??

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:43 am

Johnnycrash,

I'm building a model of the Death Star II. I have a link at the bottom left of this post that shows my current projects (Scratchy of Facebook), there are images of the progress so far. As mentioned, I'm gonna need a LOT.

I was thinking of contacting a local laser cutter businesses and ask if they have a reject bin.

Johnnycrash · Post by **Johnnycrash** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:51 am

scratchy wrote:I'm building a model of the Death Star II.

Ah. I clicked the link, but it was just a link to ALL your stuff. I thought there was a project specific link.

I was thinking of contacting a local laser cutter businesses and ask if they have a reject bin.

They won't have anything you can use (well, not for the mesh). Fine mesh like what I think you are looking for will not be laser cut, but chemically milled (PE).

I'm not sure how that much mesh would be needed for the DS. I'm obviously missing something. I think I need to eat lunch...

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:00 pm

Johnnycrash wrote:I'm not sure how that much mesh would be needed for the DS.

If I could find a Shoebox full of reject brass PE, fine mesh, coffee filter screen, or anything like that, then I would be satisfied.

Johnnycrash · Post by **Johnnycrash** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:18 pm

Nylon Screening Mesh

Polyester Screening Mesh

Another source, that I thought of first was Small Parts. But they don't seem to be around any more (well, not like they USED to be, so...)

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:28 pm

Thanks for the links John!

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 1:25 pm

Surely there must be a gravel or gold industry in BC that needs
screens and mesh.

I purchased some really fine wire screen from Western Wire here in Portland, Oregon.
It was sold off the roll, four feet wide.

http://thewesterngroup.com/about-us/

Western Canada / Vancouver
1750 Brigantine Drive
Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B5

PHONE: 604.520.3073

It was totally worth my time to visit their lobby.

Of course with nylon, and other plastics, you don't have to worry about fraying.

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 1:46 pm

Umi_Ryuzuki wrote:Surely there must be a gravel or gold industry in BC that needs
screens and mesh.

I purchased some really fine wire screen from Western Wire here in Portland, Oregon.
It was sold off the roll, four feet wide.

http://thewesterngroup.com/about-us/

Western Canada / Vancouver
1750 Brigantine Drive
Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B5

PHONE: 604.520.3073

It was totally worth my time to visit their lobby.

Of course with nylon, and other plastics, you don't have to worry about fraying.

Thanks for the link Umi, that supplier is just twenty minutes down the highway for me. I'll give them a call Monday.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 8:00 pm

Contact the people who make PE for models, explain what you're doing and see if they'd be willing to sell or give you rejects.

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:33 am

Thanks Kylwell. I have an alternative plan in the works, which may prove to be the better option.

SpaceRanger1 · Post by **SpaceRanger1** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:28 am

Look for Lipton's Tea in the pyramid bags. The bags are made of a very fine plastic mesh, probably nylon. After brewing, the tea leaves can be dried and used as ground clutter in dioramas. And as a bonus, you get some tasty tea to drink while building your model!

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Mon May 05, 2014 10:58 pm

I used to buy fuel filter screen from the auto parts store.

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Tue May 06, 2014 12:15 am

Thanks for the ideas guys!

I was reading up on the DIY photo etch on this site and as it so happens, my local electronic store has everything except for the brass shim stock.... I can get that at my local auto parts store.

I think I might try the technique for my Death Star 2 build.

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Tue May 06, 2014 1:38 am

Steba of Germany...
Gitter, Platten, Profilbleche und Stifte aus Metall und Kunststoff

http://www.steba.org/Katalog/katalog.html

PDF Catalog
http://www.steba.org/Katalog/Katalog_25 ... ndatei.pdf

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Tue May 06, 2014 5:46 pm

Umi_Ryuzuki wrote:Steba of Germany...
Gitter, Platten, Profilbleche und Stifte aus Metall und Kunststoff

http://www.steba.org/Katalog/katalog.html

PDF Catalog
http://www.steba.org/Katalog/Katalog_25 ... ndatei.pdf

oh dear lord I'm in nerdvana.... why can this be in English!?

mightymax · Post by **mightymax** » Fri May 09, 2014 10:59 pm

Have you tried looking at a fabric store?

Max Bryant

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » Sat May 10, 2014 11:31 am

mightymax wrote:Have you tried looking at a fabric store?

Max Bryant

That hasn't occurred to me, would something like a rigid mesh be available at a fabric store?

Here's a link to the Death Star II build up on SSM.

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