Some photoetched-metal parts have multiple creases and folds, and the instructions are not always clear — and metal fatigue may not permit more than one chance at a fold before the piece snaps. To avoid making an incorrect fold and possibly breaking the part, try this:

Trace the part on a 3″ x 5″ card. Scribe all the bends in the card and “build” the part. Do it as many times as you like until you are sure how the folds go. Once you are comfortable with understanding how the piece will be formed, go ahead and fabricate the photoetched-metal part.

Tip submitted by:
Wayne CassellLittleton, Colorado