What are the basic tools needed to cut styrene? I’m starting my first scratchbuilding project and it will entail cutting long straight lines on sheet styrene. Thanks in advace.
Your best bet would probably be to get some sort of a metal straight-edge and then just scribe along it with the back of a #11 exacto knife. It will take several passes but for simple straight lines that should work just dandy.
Ray
HEY,
I agree with ray. Although it may take more than one pass, the finished product is much better than if you were lazy and did it quick.
Heyoh,
Sorry about the last msg (sleep deprivation caused by a newborn). My wife is a quilter and she turned me on to this little gadget, a rotary cutter. It’ across from a pizza slicer and an exacto blade. I just use the large wheel, a self healing matt and a good straight edge and with a couple of passes I get nice clean straight cuts. You can find them at any decent fabric store and I have seen them at Walmart .
I’ve seen those and wondered how they would work on styrene. I’m tempted to buy one, now!
Congratulations on the little one! Boy or girl?
To Java959: If you’re going to be working with any thicker stuff, a razor saw is good to have on hand. I’ve got about three saws in my tool kit. I rarely use them, but when I want one. . .
Congratulations on the little one! Boy or girl?
Thanks Jim! A little boy, Thomas Eric Somerset.
As to the use of the rotary cutter just remember where your fingers are! I’ve seen my wife cut throught 4 pieces of denim stacked! The thicker the stock, the more passes you need.