11-27-2007, 02:09 PM
I know that stainless is not historical, however stainless is cheaper than brass or bronze and will hold up better in rattan fighting which I do. I just might go even thinner with the 410 I am buying especially when there will be a flute in the middle of the scale and I will be heat treating them. I would very much like a shirt made of brass or bronze, but I am concerned how well it will hold up and of course brass and bronze just isn't cheap nowadays. The scales I am making are 26mmX46mm. They are small, but not near as small as you will be needing 3500 a shirt. As for stamping, I was afraid of that, so my idea was to get the metal cut into bands width wise of the scale, and then make a stamp that will punch out the bottom part of it. I looked into having these made as well and had the same issue on how much they would cost especially in brass. I think the lowest quote I got in brass was .22 cents, stainless .18 cents, and T6 Al .16 cents with a $235 dollar engineering fee for each type of metal. I couldn't find anyone who would make them in bronze. I don't mind repetitious types of chores and projects. I guess I am odd that way. I do however want to be as efficient as I can in making scales so this thread has really helped me out in thinking more outside the box in producing scales in a larger amount.
Jason Bressie
Aedinius Sextus Maximus
Aedinius Sextus Maximus