How do you cut styrene with precision?

[Lear60man]

Im not talking about some computer and laser. I asking for something like a paper cutter that I can run a blade back and forth to make perfect 90 degree cuts. There has got to be a simple device out there that will allow me to make perfect squares, rectangles etc.

Thanks in advance to my RPF brethren.

 

[Rogviler]

I've used a cutter made by Xacto that's basically a stubby handle with a base on it that rides along the straight edge of your choice. The problem was that the blades were non-standard and seemed to dull quickly. It may have been made to cut mattes for picture framing. But I've considered making my own that would use something like a #2 blade.

Another good tool is The Chopper, it's just limited in the size and thickness of the plastic.

-Rog

 

[Darth Lars]

I use a Olfa plastic scoring knife along a metal ruler or engineer's square, and then snap the edge ... but the edge has to be reduced to flatness afterwards. I prefer a flat file or sandpaper glued to a metal block but I know others use sharp knives carefully.

I think there are also saw blades (hacksaw, jigsaw, band saw) designed to cut plastics safely and without burring the edge too much.
Use that with a clamp and miter box maybe.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Mini table saws are almost a must for exacting cuts of sheet styrene.

You can find them for as little as $50

 

[skiffy]

I must admit I'm old school and mark up the styrene sheet and score/snap with a no.10 blade scalpel, finishing with file and sanding.

I've seen various cutting jigs and choppers online but not heard of mini table saws before - I might have to invest.

 

[division 6]

You could also look at mat cutters.

 

[Archive&Future]

I just mark carefully with a mechanical pencil before following the line with a No.10a scalpel and a steel rule.

Invest in a decent set of steel marking tools- protractor, rule and squares; I recommend Moore & Wright, Rotring or Starret (well-respected engineering companies, don't get El Cheapo Brand stuff, it's a waste of your time)

But as always, practice is the key! Good luck

 

[matty matt]

The mini table saw looks kind of neat. I don't think I've seen those.

 

[Psab keel]

It depends on how advanced you want to get. I think if you have steady enough hands and a few simple tools you can get nice clean cuts that are accurate. I would suggest using a self healing mat, a T-Square, and a good sharp exacto knife.

 

[PropReplicator2]

I must admit I'm old school and mark up the styrene sheet and score/snap with a no.10 blade scalpel, finishing with file and sanding.

I've seen various cutting jigs and choppers online but not heard of mini table saws before - I might have to invest.

This is what I do as well. Even for complex curves and its worked fine so far.

 

[BornKilr]

On thicker styrene, I cut complex shapes with my scroll saw with a fine tooth blade. You have to cut slowly so it doesn't melt the edges, and it requires some cleanup with sanding

 

[skiffy]

On the bench right now.

I sometimes cut thicker pieces with a model makers box saw. I have a Dremel but the cutting wheels leave a real mess - even on the lowest speeds.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I must admit I'm old school and mark up the styrene sheet and score/snap with a no.10 blade scalpel, finishing with file and sanding.

I've seen various cutting jigs and choppers online but not heard of mini table saws before - I might have to invest.

Same here. For thicker styrene (like .100") I used a high speed (not at high speed) steel cutter. It's easy to cut curves and things. I used to have a pic of it, but I can't find it.