Metal tubing for gun barrels

[JKim]

What do you guys do when hollowing out the kit barrels isn't satisfactory and you don't want to shell out money for those Master Model brass barrels (which are beautiful BTW)? I purchased some stainless steel tubing in various sizes but they are extremely difficult to cut cleanly even with a diamond disc and Dremel.

 

[fubar57]

I've never used tubing but I heard the stainless steel ones are a PITA. Micromark has aluminum and brass, here....
Search Results - Micro-Mark

Geo

 

[Crimea_River]

I use brass. Cuts easily with a good razor saw. 1/48 scale 109G-4:

 

[Capt. Vick]

Albion alloys

 

[fubar57]

THat's the name I was trying to think of Jim. Thanks.

Geo

 

[chris brown]

I'll second Albion Alloys. They come in brass, aluminum or nickel and you can cut them easily with a razor blade. Just gently roll the tube while applying pressure with knife. Cuts nice and clean and they have a ton of small sizes. Sprue Brothers have them in stock. This video shows them scoring then snapping the tube but I can generally cut right through it with out crimping the ends.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zRPBgdCxJs

 

[GrauGeist]

Since you're in Carlsbad, there should be an Orchard Hardware nearby (OSH) and they have thinwall brass tubing in micro sizes. So do some Michael's craft stores.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Albion alloys and a sharp knife rolled over it, cuts so easy but make sure you have something to catch the cut tube or it could ping into orbit………………….forever.

 

[GrauGeist]

...make sure you have something to catch the cut tube or it could ping into orbit………………….forever.

Until you walk across the floor, at night and barefoot.

Then you shall find it, oh yes you will...

 

[Wayne Little]

Until you walk across the floor, at night and barefoot.

Then you shall find it, oh yes you will...

Ain't that the truth! Ask me how I know.....Ouch!

 

[GrauGeist]

The foot is actually a remarkable device for finding things...

The heel is best adapted for locating squarish items, the ball of the foot is great for sharp-pointy things. And there is no better tool for finding solid objects in the dark like table legs, door jambs and similar objects, than the little toe...

 

[Airframes]

I've used both the brass and the alloy tube from Albion Alloys, and have cut them using the above method, and also using a circular saw blade in a 'Dremmel' type power tool, without problems.
I've also used the stainless steel nozzle tubes from Revell cement, which make excellent blast tubes for the P-47 in 1/48th scale, but are a tad difficult to cut easily !

 

[Capt. Vick]

Anytime George

 

[JKim]

I can personally attest the PITA-ness of stainless tubing. I bought some diamond encrusted circular blades for my dremel and a table clamp to hold it down but it's still difficult. I'm sure brass is MUCH easeier to work with so thanks for the info! Can anyone recommend a good range of sizes for 1/48 scale aircraft? Mainly for gun barrels and maybe pitot tubes. I know I can get a decent estimate by using real gun barrel dimensions and calc'ing them down to 1/48 scale but I thought I'd ask first.

 

[chris brown]

ALBSFT2 Albion Alloys Brass Tube Slide Fit Tube Selection Pack (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm 0.9mm Brass Tube) #SFT2

This will give you a nice selection of sizes that will fit a lot of your modelling needs. As a bonus each size will slide into the next size up so you can create some nice details from scratch. You will come up with a lot of ideas for them once you have em.

Not affiliated with SB or Albion just really like their products.

 

[Crimea_River]

The rod I used mikes to 0.8mm John. I've used it for pitot tubes as well.