Source for stainless steel.

[JBrunner]

If I was going to micro drill stainless steel to make a pinhole, what thickness should I use, and where could I source it? So far locally I have found .010 in 430, but I think it is still a little thick. Recomendations?

[Jim Chinn]

Try MSC Supply or McMaster-Carr. Both carry a pretty good variety.

[Photo Engineer]

If I was going to micro drill stainless steel to make a pinhole, what thickness should I use, and where could I source it? So far locally I have found .010 in 430, but I think it is still a little thick. Recomendations?

Sheet stainless is made with a pinhole opening for several purposes. Tom Miller runs a pinhole web site with information on these sheets which come in packages which contain several of them. I believe that they are finer than f90 and work very well in pinhole cameras.

I don't have his current URL or e-mail, but a google search should help.

He has also taught at the Formulary and they would probably put you in touch with him.

PE

[Jim Chinn]

I have used brass shim stock at .001 thickness. IIRC the folks who sell pre-drilled pinholes for various focal lengths use .001 stainless. I doubt the stainless alloy would make difference with material that thin.

[JBrunner]

I will look him up, and check out the companies recommended as well. Thanks guys. To clarify what I'm doing, I know I could buy them, or laser drilled brass, etc., but my intention is to fabricate every part of this camera that I can reasonably make by myself. The camera will be an 8x10.

[JBrunner]

A quick peruse shows shim stock as the likely candidate. Any reason to choose brass over stainless or vice versa? (cost aside)

[Greg_E]

http://www.smallparts.com has both stainless and brass shim stock in 0.001 thick.

I have used the the stainless for a pin hole and with a highspeed (dremel at 30,000 rpm) drill it seemed to make a nice round hole. Small parts also has the tiny number drills that you may need to make the hole.

At the price of a single sheet of each, I would suggest buying a sheet of each and see which one you like best. The Stainless may give the best hole, but I am not certain.

[greybeard]

This is probably well-known in the world of pinhole experts, but then again, maybe not; I found it in a 1930s Kodak book: use a blunt point such as a carpet needle or rounded center punch to make a dimple, supporting the stock on a piece of wood and tapping the needle gently. Then use a sanding block to gently thin the opposite side of the dimple until a hole is created that is round and of the proper diameter. Having tried it, I can say that it works just fine with brass shim stock, and also with aluminum from a soft drink can.

One advantage over a drilled hole is that the edges of the opening are knife-edged, which is theoretically better than a short cylinder. Also, there will be no burrs, as often occur unless the stock is sandwiched tightly between heavier material before drilling.

[JBrunner]

This is probably well-known in the world of pinhole experts, but then again, maybe not; I found it in a 1930s Kodak book: use a blunt point such as a carpet needle or rounded center punch to make a dimple, supporting the stock on a piece of wood and tapping the needle gently. Then use a sanding block to gently thin the opposite side of the dimple until a hole is created that is round and of the proper diameter. Having tried it, I can say that it works just fine with brass shim stock, and also with aluminum from a soft drink can.

One advantage over a drilled hole is that the edges of the opening are knife-edged, which is theoretically better than a short cylinder. Also, there will be no burrs, as often occur unless the stock is sandwiched tightly between heavier material before drilling.

Interesting, thanks for bringing it up. The stainless may be too hard, but I will try it with brass as well.

[DBP]

You might also consider the varieties of aluminum sheet sold at art and hobby shops.