Hard Steel Cutting die blanks for cutting pancake dies. Pancake dies are one of the simplest and easiest ways to cut repetitive shapes for jewelry production, but the problem was always finding the steel, which isn't carried by most jewelry suppliers. We solved that problem with our new blanks.
These are a special type of steel that is a little harder and much longer wearing than normal mild steel, without being as hard to cut as tool steel. They are also galvanized to prevent rust. They're all 1/16" (0.063") thick.
A good starting point for cutting angle is 12.5 degrees, cutting with a 3/0 jeweler's blade. You will need to use a different angle if you use a different sized blade.
They are available in 3 sizes, 3"x5", 4"x6" and 6"x6". They are also available with the hinges already cut in, to save you the time and trouble.
The 3"x5"s are the normal size for most small work, and are cut vertically, giving a working area of 2"x2"
The 4"x6" are slightly larger, and available in either vertical, with a working area of 3"x3" or horizontal for bracelets and etc, with a working area of 1.5"x5"
The 6"x6" is the largest die a standard Bonny-Doon style press can use, and is not hinged. If you're doing something this special, your hinges will have to be custom.
