Cutting rectangular wire

[becks3636]

Hello - I'm trying to cut rectangular wire strip 2mm x 1mm x 50mm (or longer) in sterling and fine silver metal sheets. Cutting by hand those thin strips are a bit of a nightmare and I'm hoping that someone here can give me some advice on a better way.

The best thing I've found so far is a guillotine which cuts flat; like the pepe tools guillotine shear. But is this good for cutting very thin strips or is there something more suitable that I could use?

Thanks in advance ....

[LydiaNiz]

I would either be sawing or using wire cutters and filing the ends flat after.

[ps_bond]

Saw.

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[Dennis]

Saw.

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Learned something new today:https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/114222. Dennis.

[Aurarius]

Learned something new today:https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/114222. Dennis.

It crops up in some unexpected places, Dennis, and in some downright unfortunate ones.
I'd use a saw too, Becks.

[Dennis]

Thank you Mark, I expect it makes sense after a wee dram, or two.

I must say for bezels there is nothing better or waste free, than stock made from wire:

1.0mm round will roll down to 1.5 x 0.4mm
1.5mm round will roll down to 2.0 x 0.5mm
2.0x1.0 rectangular will roll down to 2.2 x 0.5mm

Re-annneal, clamp one end in a vice and pull to staghten, if necessary.

Unless you enjoy piercing, of course. Dennis.

[becks3636]

I would either be sawing or using wire cutters and filing the ends flat after.

Hi all - thanks for the advice. I'll probably go for flattening the square wire down with my mill as I need quite a few lengths of the bezel wire.

[LydiaNiz]

I misunderstood - sorry. Is there a reason you don't want to buy the rectangular wire as is?

[becks3636]

I misunderstood - sorry. Is there a reason you don't want to buy the rectangular wire as is?

It unfortunately doesn't come in the size I want. I've remeasured this morning and I need 0.8 x 1.6 so its a bit different from the wire on the site. I will squash square wire I think that's the best option for long lengths. I assume I should squash in two directions to get it rectangular?

[Dennis]

The secret of success, is to close the mill by only small increments and use the centre of the rollers. Remember the springs will still be acting if you make a second pass at the same setting.

For evenness, you can reverse the wire, turn it upside down, or if your length allows, put the wire through sideways too.

Never have it so tight that you can't easily turn your mill with one hand. Dennis.