I am tempted to buy a razor saw for cutting sheet styrene. How effective are they? Usually how much do they cost?
thanks
Unless the sheet styrene is pretty thick, you don’t need a Razor saw to cut it. Just use a straight edge and the back side of the tip of a #11 Exacto blade. Scribe a few times and then snap the plastic. If your using thicker styrene, then the Razor saw will work well. They have a very thin blade with fine, sharp teeth and come in different depths. I use em mostly for cutting the molding blocks off cast resin parts and they work great for that.
This is a great tool for scratch building. I use mine for cutting styrene, wood and soft metals.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=15215
or
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=22114
Replacement blades are $3.50 each. Depending upon what you cut the blade will last a long time.
Also look at: www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=28
These are saw blades that look like no. 11 blades, and are superb for making fine cuts in styrene. They are also great for removing small, breakable pieces from sprue trees. Use 'em all the time.
Gip Winecoff
I prefer to use an exacto knife to cut thru sheet styrene along with a metal straight edge. Just a couple passes and you have a good clean cut.
A razor saw is great for things like modifying parts or cutting parts. They are pretty cheap. I just bought a set with 4 different saw blades and a handle for $8.50 at a LHS.
Thanks alot guys!!
Looks like I am going to put buying the razor saw off till i start scratchbuilding and using conversion kits!
If you can find one, get a Zona saw. I used an Exacto saw for years until one of my sons gave me a Zona. Under certain conditions the blade of the Exacto will suddenly bend - the Zona is a heck of a lot sturdier. For really fine cuts I prefer a jewelers saw with a super fine blade.