Cutting a long curve in styrene

[Tatooine_Todd]

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.

 

[Makie]

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.

 

[Tatooine_Todd]

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.

I assume you recommend a sharp exacto?

 

[crackerjazz]

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.

 

[division 6]

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.

 

[Tatooine_Todd]

Excellent! Thanks

 

[Ray22]

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.

 

[moffeaton]

Or a laser cutter :lol

 

[ninja77]

Or a laser cutter :lol

Absolutely! the hobbist laser cutters are becoming cheaper and cheaper to buy

 

[Jun Austria]

Or a laser cutter :lol

Is there such a thing that is affordable?

 

[moffeaton]

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.

 

[moffeaton]

A nice metal French Curve is MUCH cheaper.

 

[mslz22]

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.

 

[johnfields]

Here`s a set of ship curves for designing hulls
http://www.draftingsteals.com/21270.html