Cutting a long curve in styrene

Tatooine_Todd

Tatooine_Todd

Sr Member
I've decided to scratch build some diaorama pieces for a Ma.K. build that I'm currently doing. I've never scratch built before and need to get some tools.

What is the best tool for cutting a long 7-9" curve in a sheet of styrene? I am concerned that a hobby knife would not give a nice clean cut on something that long.
 
Its not quick but the best way is to cut outside of the curve, in the area you don't want, then trim/sand/file it down to the curve you want.
 
Cut a cardboard template with scissors. Using a pin in a pin vise or similar holder (I use a pin on a dowel) score a groove on the styrene with several passes. After which it's easy to cut with the xacto knife with a couple passes.
 
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I use the back edge of an exacto blade (doesn't tend to wonder as much and removes material) or a compass tip in a metal tube/handle.

Depending on the curve shape you may get away using a French Curve to run the tool against, some found object or as mentioned a piece of cardboard cut to shape.

Remember that once scribed you can flex and snap the styrene so you don't have to cut all the way through.
 
Invest in a set of "French Curves" they are like 4 to a set with different sizes of curves very handy for stuff like this.
 
The one I have is the least expensive Epilog and was $10k, but I got a good one. Heard too many horror stories about the Chinese ones.
 
I usually will cut the pattern i want out of 1/8 or 1/4 MDF on the bandsaw, clean it up with sand paper or a file to get exactly what i want, then use that as a guide. It especially works great if you have something that has a right and left that need to be the same. Also if i make a mistake and need to go back one step the pattern is durable.
 
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