Cutting styrene?
 

Hey RC fabricators,

I feel like I've made this post before, but what do you guys use to cut styrene straight? I've tried squares and mats, but I can never seem to get a good, clean cut; and if I do, it isn't straight.

I normally use tape and thread now, but there has to be a better system.

Let me know your tactics, tricks, and tips!:D

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

I use a rotary paper cutter to score a strait line then you can bend it and break it on the score line. Here is a link to one similar to what I use. For pieces bigger than 12" I use the table saw.

http://store.scrapbook.com/f-01-0054...0=1500&b0=2499

Travis

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

The trick is not to score to hard with the knife,or it will bind and while you are fighting it,the knife is going to jump,few lighter scores on the sharp angle and then snap off.

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

Have you ever heard of a Duplicutter from NWSL? Kinda limited in size for our scale of building, but it takes the guess work out of pieces that fit in it'd dimensions. Or study it's design and make one big enough for your needs. Dan

http://www.nscale.net/forums/showthr...Duplicutter-II!

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...at=0&_from=R40

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I will invest in one of these cutter tools, and start getting some better cuts!

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

I use a paper cutter from an office for most stuff, unless its really thick. cuts like butter and nice and straight. I got an old used one thats all metal so its nice and stiff, not the crappy plastic ones they use now.

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

I use a stainless steel ruler and a X-acto knife with a #11 blade. The trick is to use the back edge of the blade and make several light passes. Snap along the line.

Why the back edge of the blade? It makes a square shape kerf (cut line), with no "snowdrift" ridge along the line. Using the sharp edge leaves a snowdrift ridge along both sides of the kerf.

Re: Cutting styrene?
 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8...8/IMG_0086.JPG

I use this for smaller cuts, Easy Cutter from Midwest Products. Hope this helps.