Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: dan on February 10, 2009, 08:05:18 pm

Title: plasticard circles
Post by: dan on February 10, 2009, 08:05:18 pm

hi guys,
I'm coming to the point in my build where i need to  cut  circle out of plastic card all i can think of is cutting the  rough shape with the knife, and then alot of sanding.
Are there any easier ways?

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: Colin Bishop on February 10, 2009, 08:13:58 pm

Sounds like you need a compass cutter. An example here http://buy.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/Compass_Cutter_30607/Compass_Cutter_30607.htm but lots of other places stock them too.

Colin

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: dan on February 10, 2009, 08:28:37 pm

just the thing  O0 thanks very much colin  :-))

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: andrewh on February 11, 2009, 08:15:36 am

dantheman,

Just a tiny addition to the circle cutter advice :}

The blades have a cutting direction, and a "blunt" direction.  I find it best to cut plasticard using the "blunt" direction so that the blade makes a score in the plasticard. 
As soon as the score is about 1/3rd of the depth of the plastic it will snap out cleanly
andrew

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: sinjon on February 11, 2009, 08:50:58 am

I drill a 'micro' hole and use the cutter from both sides, works for me.

Colin

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: TCC on February 12, 2009, 03:51:28 pm

Have you got a compass that takes replacable leads? Substitute a pin/needle/point for the lead and scribe the circle... It may get you by for the smaller diameters.

Of course, the proper item is best.

Title: Re: plasticard circles
Post by: dan on February 12, 2009, 04:12:14 pm

hi guys, thanks for all the info,

TCC i havent got anything at all im affraid, so ill probly invest in a compass cutter