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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: fastolfrus on 12 June 2021, 03:50:27 PM

Title: Cutting "Recticel"
Post by: fastolfrus on 12 June 2021, 03:50:27 PM

Hi all
Quick question.
I have some Recticel (UK building foam insulation with silver foil on the sides) that I was hoping to turn into hills, but have just cut some with a sharp knife and it shed bits all over.
I wasn't happy with the results either, so am looking for advice on how to cut it.


I have a hot wire cutter, but heard that it gives off toxic fumes from a hot wire.
Does anyone know if this is the case?

Otherwise does anyone have any hints?

Title: Re: Cutting "Recticel"
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 12 June 2021, 04:34:49 PM

Sharp bread knife or a normal saw and a hoover.

Title: Re: Cutting "Recticel"
Post by: snitcythedog on 12 June 2021, 04:43:29 PM

Quote from: OSHIROmodels on 12 June 2021, 04:34:49 PM

Sharp bread knife or a normal saw and a hoover.

Ditto.  You can also do it with a sharp box cutter but they make it difficult to do curves.  If you have the hot wire cutter just do it outside as the fumes will diffuse in the fresh air.  The fumes become an issue when they are in an enclosed area. 

Title: Re: Cutting "Recticel"
Post by: Merlon on 13 June 2021, 10:00:16 AM

Recticel is a Polyisocyanurate rather than Polystyrene foam.
The dust from cutting it is a very good irritant for the skin, eyes and lungs.
The fumes from cutting it with hot wire are indeed toxic (include hydrogen cyanide) rather than just discomforting as with Polystyrene.
(it was the cladding on Grenfell tower)

Title: Re: Cutting "Recticel"
Post by: fastolfrus on 13 June 2021, 09:04:51 PM

Thank you chaps.

Glad to find out about the cyanide before sticking it on the proxon.