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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Thunderchicken on December 14, 2012, 11:48:15 PM

Title: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: Thunderchicken on December 14, 2012, 11:48:15 PM

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent (and relatively cheap) tool for cutting accurate 90 and 45 degree angles on foamed PVC (Depron, Palight etc)? I've found a cheap X-Acto tool for cutting foamboard but its not suitable for foamed PVC which is much denser. 

I need to cut some pretty accurate angles for my latest build so any help would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: Cherno on December 15, 2012, 12:15:30 AM

I own a Proxxon Hot Wire Cutter (http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-37080-Wire-Cutter-THERMOCUT/dp/B0017NS8H6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355530250&sr=8-2&keywords=proxxon+styrofoam), but it's not cheap nor accurate, it's good for making straight cuts but the angle cutting arrangement is just flimsy. Good enough for most wargaming needs I guess, but an architect might need something better.

(http://www.aduis-basteln.at/Pics/ART_NR/L/503190.jpg)

I used it to build some BatteTech hills.

(http://www.abload.de/img/rimg2163z045g.jpg)

What tool you can use depends on the thickness of the material above all else. The Proxxon is good for up to about 2 Inches; non-electric cutting tools will probably have trouble with anything thicker than 1/2 inch.

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: redzed on December 15, 2012, 02:47:53 AM

Quote from: Thunderchicken on December 14, 2012, 11:48:15 PM

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent (and relatively cheap) tool for cutting accurate 90 and 45 degree angles on foamed PVC (Depron, Palight etc)? I've found a cheap X-Acto tool for cutting foamboard but its not suitable for foamed PVC which is much denser. 

I need to cut some pretty accurate angles for my latest build so any help would be appreciated.

ask at Antenociti's  I'm sure they had a tool for this very thing :)

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: Sinewgrab on December 15, 2012, 08:24:53 AM

Honestly, your best bet for cutting foamed PVC to an accurate angle is a table saw or router.  It is too dense for a heated blade to do you any good - it will just melt and cause issues.  If you are not going too large, you can use a rotary chop saw for some of it.  If you need better description, PM me.  I spent 12 years in the plastics business, and most of that was in custom fabrication.

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: Thunderchicken on December 16, 2012, 09:42:10 AM

Thanks for the advice chaps.  :)

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: ork56 on December 30, 2012, 08:16:19 PM

I believe that hot wire cutters should NOT be used on foamed pvc due to poisonous vapours which are given off..

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: Modhail on December 30, 2012, 08:46:31 PM

I recall hearing something similar, that you can't/shouldn't laser cut foamed PVC due to the risk of the fumes potentially killing both laser and operator...

But yes, I'd stick with mechanical cutting (power tools or traditional blood sweat and cursing).
 I've had some succes with a ruler and sharp boxknife, but it's not fun going...

So, I'd support Sinewgrab: Tablesaw, router, or, if the friction doesn't cause heat/fume problems, maybe a scroll- or bandsaw?

Title: Re: Precision cutting tool for foamed PVC?
Post by: OSHIROmodels on December 30, 2012, 10:11:07 PM

Yah, you shouldn't use it on a laser, but we do  :D

You end up with a pronounced 'v' groove from the cutting and a burr on both the top and bottom edges next to the cut line.

It's fine if you don't want accurate.

cheers

James