greymack Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Hey guys I was wondering what most of you use for cutting styrene ? Like for example do you use hand tools or electric tools? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) You are better off with manual tools. Electric tools will melt the plastic as they cut. For most operations, nothing is more complicated than an Exacto No 11 blade. For straight cuts on sheet plastic, I have an old hacksaw blade that I use the non-cutting edge as a straight edge to cut against. It's thick enough that I don't jump over it when cutting. Mostly I will score the piece, then snap it apart. And here's my favorite tool for cutting plastic strips or basswood. You get a straight cut every time. and I will tape a stop onto it when I want pieces all the same length. It also has a few templates that snap in for angles. Best $50 you will spend on tools! Edited September 27, 2013 by Tom Geiger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 You are better off with manual tools. Electric tools will melt the plastic as they cut. Exactly. Plus you have better control with manual tools (razor saw, X-acto, etc.) than a Dremel, because the cutting goes slower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScaleDale Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 You are better off with manual tools. Electric tools will melt the plastic as they cut. For most operations, nothing is more complicated than an Exacto No 11 blade. For straight cuts on sheet plastic, I have an old hacksaw blade that I use the non-cutting edge as a straight edge to cut against. It's thick enough that I don't jump over it when cutting. Mostly I will score the piece, then snap it apart. And here's my favorite tool for cutting plastic strips or basswood. You get a straight cut every time. and I will tape a stop onto it when I want pieces all the same length. It also has a few templates that snap in for angles. Best $50 you will spend on tools! I have that and it's great. Just got a big pack of blades for it. Paid $35 for mine at Tacoma Train. Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High octane Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Butcher knife, cleaver, bow saw, and an axe also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) I have that and it's great. Just got a big pack of blades for it. Paid $35 for mine at Tacoma Train. Dale I bought mine when I was going to build this. I was at the hobby shop to buy basswood and saw this on the shelf for $49. I use it every day, it's very handy to have around. Oh, and for the guys who won't spend the money, good tools are forever. I've had this 5 years now, so I've depreciated it $10 a year. It's certainly worth that! Edited September 27, 2013 by Tom Geiger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennb Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Butcher knife, cleaver, bow saw, and an axe also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSNJim Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Butcher knife, cleaver, bow saw, and an axe also. Measure with a micrometer, mark with a crayon, cut with an axe - that's my motto. Actually, what I use instead of a large razor saw is these: http://shop.excelblades.com/p/13-fine-saw-blade-5-pcs?pp=12 They are small and thin, don't have a spine (so you can do flush cuts) somewhat maneuverable, and fit into a standard Xacto handle (replaces the #11 blade). Don't let the size of the picture fool you - they're about 2" long and the same height as the mounting portion of a #11 blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skydime Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) I use all kinds of things. Xacto knife, Xacto saw, individual razor blades, scissors, fingernail clips (cause I don't have a sprue cutter) and for rough cuts that I need to make and trim in later, I actually do use a dremel. I just don't cut so close to where I need to be because of that melting factor. Although I have been known to cut out 90% of the back of a grille with it as well. Edited September 27, 2013 by Skydime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxer Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 And here's my favorite tool for cutting plastic strips or basswood. You get a straight cut every time. and I will tape a stop onto it when I want pieces all the same length. It also has a few templates that snap in for angles. Best $50 you will spend on tools! I have one of these but have a lot of trouble getting a square cut. It seems too flexible and the blade twists or something and the cut doesn't stay square to the length. It's probably me, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'd love to hear any tricks to using it from those who are successful with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pharoah Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I use my Auto World hot knife exclusively. Kidding. A #11 Xacto knife and a razor saw with a miter box are my weapons of choice. Sometimes a Dremel for grinding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blown03SVT Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 All the above mentioned plus Tamiya photoetched saw blades. They are spendy but work awesome for scribing and fine cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I have used most of the saws above and they are very nice for large cuts. For smaller cuts, curved cuts and tight spaces these Hasegawa/Tritool photo etched saws are really great. http://www.hlj.com/product/HSGTP-3/Sup There is a second set also but the photo on HLJ was messed up but you can find it with a little research. I have had a set since my first trip to Japan in 1998. With a little care they will last for a long time. They also make a very, very fine cut. It is so fine that you can easily glue a part back on if you want to without filler. At $10 each plus S&H they are really a great tool to have in you tool chest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Kucaba Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Oh wow! That was one of the first Photo-etch saw sets I bought! probably in the mid '90's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grayghost Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Thats a easy one. By the looks of my builds it would be a chain saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nova-ss Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I use many tools I collected over the years.some I bought some I made.i use a DC dremel that I made a control pot for that slows the speed down and it has a very fine small saw blade in.I put it in backwards so it don't cut me and so it don't do damage to the plastic.it has worked great for me.some are electric and some manual tools.you find what works for you.Thanks,Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gumball Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 These are my tools, although I wouldn't advise using any of these for accuracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldcarfan27 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 On 9/27/2013 at 8:16 AM, High octane said: Butcher knife, cleaver, bow saw, and an axe also. What, you don't use your teeth for fine cuts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitchdup Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 I use an angry gerbil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuces ll Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 Sprue cutters and sanding sticks/Emery boards.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) It depends on what you're cutting. As most have said, a straight line cut is best with a #11 blade (in a handle) against a ruler. For hogging out holes, a Dremel for the initial rough cut and then sculpting with the #11 knife works for me. I frequently will use small scissors to make a rough cut of a compound curve on a sheet of styrene that's not too thick. A Sawzall always comes in handy as well. In essence, the answer is "It depends...." -RRR Edited June 24, 2020 by Rocking Rodney Rat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuces ll Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) For hand drilling small holes, I use my trusty Starrett brand pin vises with micro center drills and micro drills.... Edited June 24, 2020 by Deuces ll Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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