Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: von der Tann on March 01, 2014, 09:35:59 AM
-
Hey guys,
as said in the subject line. What do you use to cut perfect round holes into plastic card?
Me, I use a compass (or pair of compasses) used for technical drawings. It is set with two spikes and I use it to slowly scrape away the plastic until the inset comes loose.
Needless to say that this methods leaves much to be desired.
For once it takes ages to get through the plastic card especially if it is a tad on the thicker side and on top of that if you get impatient and start to apply too much pressure you risk warping the plastic card.
Any good advice is welcome and thanks in advance. ???
von der Tann
-
Depends.
I've got a "compass cutter" which is like a small beam compass with a cutting blade. Works well in larger size holes and thinnish (say sub 30thou?) card, but it's a git of thing if you're cutting more than about two circles.
A hole saw in a drill press is very quick and works well on thick stock, but the results are a bit rough. Under-cut and file to shape, I guess lol
Smallish circles and thinnish card (20thou or less) work really well with hollow punches. The downside is you need a different punch for each side.
Hope this helps,
M
-
Helps ... thanks alot.
von der Tann
-
For smaller holes I use a tool i bought in a leather craft shop. It is intended to punch holes in belts and stuff. and you can wary the hole size from 1mm to 8mm.
-
I use a compass outfitted with an x-acto blade to cut and a heat gun to soften the surface.
-
I use a compass outfitted with an x-acto blade to cut and a heat gun to soften the surface.
My compass cutter is essentially a pair of compasses/beam compass with an x-acto blade. It does work well - I hadn't thought of heating the plastic - I might try that.