Die shimstock help

[DocHod]

Hi , I was wondering what I should use for shim stock , in the past I have used steel shim or plastic shim , the plastic shim is nice for cutting the shapes of the particular die component that requires the needed shim but after a while it does seem to compress , using steel shim is harder to work with but it doesn't seem to have a shock absorbent quality , maybe brass or copper would be better ? If so who is your supplier for your shim stock , any help I would be grateful thanks.

[championp]

we use stainless steel "shim in a can" it helps to have a nice hole punch and sharp new snips to cut them to shape.

[Uncle Buck]

we use steel shims... not sure of the brand, but it comes in 6" width and i think 100 feet long in a tube....

plastic is crap....

[chan luci]

we can do chemical etching and make shims from thin SS films (0.2 mm to 0.8mm thick
pls visit our web site and log in, attach the drwing/qty and other details of your shim. Plasics and soft materials like aluminium and copper is not so good

[chan luci]

We can supply them. Pls send the drawing/ qty/ full postal address/ email ID to send you a quote.
Thanks
Chan lucie
www.custompartsonline.com

[roninB4]

Most diemakers use steel shims for an accurate adjustment that does not compress. The skill in making shims can be as simple as a round disk or as complex as your imagination. You need to layout the shape of the shim and be able to trust your layout lines. A pair of small tinsnips (that are sharp) is essential, I always used my shim punch for getting the basic geometry cut out. Then I'd use my die grinder and stones for any detail work needed (dowles,screw holes, ejector pins). Finally, run both sides of the shim on a fine India stone to remove the burrs on the edge (usually a few .001's built up by then on the edge). You should also keep the shim stack to 3 or less to avoid the accordian effect. Dies that would require repeat shimming over the life of the tool should have all the old shims kept to avoid making the same shim over and over. When possible, make a single shim thickness of prehard 4140 if it's over .115 in shim thickness. It seems like a lot of work making shims but it becomes fairly easy when you get the hang of it.