How to cut and bend zinc came

Using zinc came isn't as difficult as it appears!  Yes it is quite stiff but with the correct tool, you can bend either "U" came of "H" came fairly easily.

Bending Zinc Came

When you use a came bender, you can bend the "U" shaped came into a fairly small circle and the "H" shaped came into a slightly larger circle.  If you need less than a circle shape, like a curve or arch, it is really easy to bend a piece of came to have only a slight bend using the came bender.  We recommend using this tool instead of trying to hand bend zinc.  Hand bent zinc looks sloppy (since it doesn't look smooth) and unprofessional.  When you buy the bender you will find instructions as to how to set it up.

Cutting Zinc Came

To cut zinc came you might need a came saw.  It depends on the type of came you are wanting to cut.  

The "U" shaped came is easily cut with a pair of hand held cutters.  Just mark the spot where you want to cut with a sharpie marker, and cut fully into both came sides with your cutters, leaving only the large back flat section of the came, uncut.  Next take the came and with your hands simply bend the zinc back and forth until the piece breaks in half!  

To bend "U" shaped came for a box or other piece where you want to make a 90 degree bend,  (but NOT to fully cut the came in half), just cut into both sides of the came with hand held cutters and then bend the came 90 degrees.  Once soldered in place your angle will look nice and it will also be strong!

To cut "H" shaped came you will need to use a came saw, like the one pictured below. 

We find that the we have to cut the thicker "H" came in two steps.  After marking the spot where we need to cut the came, we cut halfway into it on one side, then we flip the came over and finish cutting the came from the other side.  With thinner came we can cut the entire piece with one shot.