How do you cut Straight sections of plasticard?

[pnave01]

I\'ve been using plasticard for the past year on different projects, and i have been constantly frustrated with my inability to cut it straight How does every one else do it?

 

[DaN]

Depends on the thickness.

Steel ruler and knife for thicker, sharp scissors for thinner...

Always mark your cutting line with some to spare so you can tidy afterwards...

 

[pnave01]

I have tried that and it still goes off, am i doin something wrong.

 

[DaN]

Can\'t tell - need more info
What thickness plasticard are you using?

Is your knife a cheap 99p market job or a proper one? etc etc etc

 

[pnave01]

1/8\" thick plasticard is what i am using and having trouble cutting.

 

[Roger Bunting]

How many times do you cut? I mean, for something that thick I\'ll more or less score the line first, not putting too much pressure on and therefore reducing chance I\'ll nudge the ruler or whatever. Then I\'ll go over the line several times. If I\'m cutting from one edge to another, once I\'ve cut part way down I can *edit* snap */edit* the strip off, if that makes any sense.

 

[DaN]

Also, the gentle scores provide a progressively deepening guideline groove to guide the next.

 

[Roger Bunting]

I think I\'ll just let Dan translate what I say to a more coherent and succinct sentence from now on.

 

[DaN]

W00t w00t Berunderty Wibble pooflop

 

[pnave01]

Thanks for all the help guys i started using all your tips and being a bit more patient and it seems to be working thanks

 

[No Such Agency]

If there\'s still time for another tip, a cork-backed steel ruler helps a lot. It won\'t slip! I assume most hobbyists have these by now though.

 

[pnave01]

thats a great idea that i never thought about i have been using my small aviation ruler which slips alot i will have to go get one of those with the cork back thanks for the tip.

 

[jamsessionein]

Here\'s an alternative option. I\'ve found this to be of great use on particularly thick plasticard/sheet styrene.

Find yourself a cheap Mitre Box!

My local hobby store had one of these that I picked up, and it makes cutting both round tubes and thick card a breeze. It basically acts as a guide for a small hand saw.

 

[Einion]

Don\'t cut - scribe and snap is the way to go.

Einion

 

[Dragonsreach]

Tape the ruler down with Masking tape. Less chance of slipping and less chance of leaving your fingers in the way.

 

[Roger Bunting]

Don\'t cut - scribe and snap is the way to go.

That\'s what I meant for my last part but somehow forgot to put the word snap or break in the sentence. :redface:

 

[Gregor Xenos]

Originally posted by pnave01
I\'ve been using plasticard for the past year on different projects, and i have been constantly frustrated with my inability to cut it straight How does every one else do it?

With a Knife. lol:moon:

I use a Black+Decker soldering iron (2temps) w/ the exacto blade attachment. Very little distortion!
*BE CAREFULL* :wow: *Always cut AWAY!!*
(I have a 2\" scar on my stomach. Hot blade slipped, went in full length of blade.
Hurt like a cast-iron bitch:flame

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by Dragonsreach
Less chance of slipping and less chance of leaving your fingers in the way.

*Shudder* Seen too many board-cutting accidents in my time in art school and design college; gives me the willies just thinking about it.

Originally posted by Gregor Xenos
(I have a 2\" scar on my stomach. Hot blade slipped, went in full length of blade.
Hurt like a cast-iron bitch:flame

Well that\'s not an accident one hears of every day!

Einion

 

[pnave01]

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP I WILL BE TRYING TO CUT MY FIRST PIECE IN A FEW HOURS WITH ALL THE TIPS GIVEN, WASN\'T ABLE TO DO IT SOONER BEEN UNDER THE WEATHER. mAYBE I WILL POST A PIC OF HOW IT GOES lol

 

[DaN]

Oops! BARRY SCOTT PRESSED YOUR CAPS LOCK!

@ Gregor- This B&D soldering iron attachment intrigues me - got a link?