I tried using tin snips to cut open an aluminum can to harvest the metal for making a stencil, but that approach FAILED: it crinkled/dented the harvest aluminum metal, rather than leaving it completely smooth like the aluminum in Felix's video and various related postings here on the forum. How are you guys managing to cut off the tops and bottoms of the can while keeping the harvest metal smooth (i.e. without creating dents)? Are you using a Dremel cutting wheel, or is there some other clever trick to doing it?
Carefully, with a utility knife blade, is how I think i used to do it.
Since I got my laser cutter I never used that method again. With the laser I can etch any size stencil and its much easier. If you have access to a laser its much more worth it to try that than etching. But otherwise the soda can method will work if you have no other options and can get the toner transfer right.
What power laser do you recommend?
60W at least for general purpose cutting.
For etching you don't need that much power.
These guys are good for getting one off stencils from if you just want to buy from someone.
https://www.oshstencils.com/
Quote from: jkarras on February 21, 2016, 11:46:46 PM
These guys are good for getting one off stencils from if you just want to buy from someone.
https://www.oshstencils.com/
Thanks! Good to know their turnaround on solder masks is generally 24 hours on a workday, not 2 weeks like on their PCB's. Also, their prices sound very reasonable.
FYI
oshpark !== oshstencils ;)