making thin washers

Did you ever need a small thin washer/spacer/bearing.. with a precise thickness and inside diameter? Here's how to make them. Most modelers have a drill index.. and it's even better to have a full set of # 1-60 drills. You also will need a standard hole-punch. If your hole-punch has a plastic cover (like mine did) to catch the punched scrap.. remove it... because you need to see the punch hole.



Stock can be anything thin, that fits the application. Sheet metal should not be thicker than .005". Other materials include, but are not limited to; plastic packaging materials, styrene, cardstock, inner-tube rubber... or anything else that will punch cleanly.

First, find the drill that is the size of the washer you need's inside diameter... and drill several holes about 1/2" apart and about 1/2" in from the edge of your sheet-stock.

Finally; insert the sheet into your hole-punch and close the jaw to where a hole in the "sheet"... centers with the hole in the hole-punch. When centered, "cup" your other hand over the punch and squeeze the handle. (work over a bench/table, so as not to lose the piece you just made)

This produces nice custom washers in a pinch... and you can't beat the price!!!