Cutting sheet styrene

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I’m sure this is a dumb question, but what’s the best way to cut sheet styrene? I want to cut a very thin piece and I would prefer that it doesn’t curl up.

Thanks,

Rich [8D]

2

Pretty simple. I’ve never had any problems with curling up. You just have to score it on a flat surface with an exacto and fold and snap. The trick is getting the scoring line to be striaght and if you have to cut multiple identical pieces keeping them all straight too. Tools are always helpful too. I use and really like the NWSL chopper. For larger cuts I use this jig that I made. Remember I just use this to score the sheet not cut it. Hope this helps.

3

that’s a nice setup there Paul… I use a photo paper cutter from Office Depot to cut some of mine now depending on the width. It’s something like this but less elaborate. Actually after finding this one I might buy it as it looks to be a little sturdier than mine.

http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=770096&&An=text

edit this only works with the thinner stuff… (.15 and .20 type) I imagine the .40 stuff would be a bit hard to cut in this…

4

Thanks for the link, Tom. I’ll have to go check that out. Even for thicker stuff it might be good to start the score and finish up with X-acto.

5

Steven - I’m not sure it would work for that… the blade goes down below the bottom of the paper/plastic) I have the feeling it might create a jagged edge if cutting thick plastic as it can’t smoothly make it through the whole thickness… Wal Mart has a cheaper version for about $10 or less if you want to try though… it has a pretty sturdy cutting blade, just not sure if it is sharp enough or would remain sharp enough to cut the thick stuff…

I have one of the Wal Mart type as well as a better Office Depot one… next time I am by the LHS I might pick up another pack of the thicker stuff to try it though… it DOES cut a perfect straight line on the stuff I have used it on…

—edit— atrocious spelling mistakes… (mental note) don’t drink and do the web…

6

Thanks guys, some very good ideas there. I was thinking along the lines of one of those cutters with a round blade (kind of like a pizzza cutter only smaller and sharper) and and a steel ruler. Think that would work?

Rich [8D]

7

Richard, I think I know what you are talking about and probably so… it would definitely score the plastic for the bend and snap thing…

8

I agree. Yes Rich that would work fine. A metal straight edge is the important part IMO.

Now I have a question. Still on topic though. How do you all cut out openings in the middle of sheets or pieces? Things like windows, portholes, etc… I usually draw and score the shape first then use a straight edge razor at a slight angle and “tap technique” being careful not to cut beyond the desired shape. Overall this is not a reliable technique maybe you all know something better.

Here is an example. The steps in the cab were cut out with the method I mentioned.

9

Paul, I’d like to find a good technique for that too. Cutting out rectangles, etc. has never worked, always ends up too deep on one or more sides.

Tom thanks for the tip about Wally world, I’ll look for it. And I think Rich is talking about the rotary cutters. Michael’s has a few, but I’ve never tried them.