stunthanger.com

Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Jim Treace on February 05, 2007, 09:00:52 PM

Title: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Jim Treace on February 05, 2007, 09:00:52 PM: I really like to work with light weight coverings, silk, glass, etc. But my hands are either too rough or scissors too dull, I always seem to have problems with getting a nice straight cut without chards. So, a quick trip to Wall Mart sewing department, I picked up a nice 36"X36" dimensioned cutting pad and a nifty pizza-like razor sharp cutting tool. This tool is designed specifically for cutting fabric laid out on the pad. So, now, I just measure, lay out the material and have neat straight, chard free cuts, every time. Neat!
Jim
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Clint Ormosen on February 14, 2007, 03:07:40 AM: Yup. This is the way to do it. I've been raiding my wifes' craft supplies for years and this was one of the best in her stash. What really ticks her off is having to come out to the shop to retrieve her stuff. ;D
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: RC Storick on February 14, 2007, 07:29:46 AM: Quote from: Jim Treace on February 05, 2007, 09:00:52 PM
I really like to work with light weight coverings, silk, glass, etc. But my hands are either too rough or scissors too dull, I always seem to have problems with getting a nice straight cut without chards. So, a quick trip to Wall Mart sewing department, I picked up a nice 36"X36" dimensioned cutting pad and a nifty pizza-like razor sharp cutting tool. This tool is designed specifically for cutting fabric laid out on the pad. So, now, I just measure, lay out the material and have neat straight, chard free cuts, every time. Neat!
Jim

D>K Kool stuff Jim. I am on my way to get me one!! y1
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Mark Scarborough on February 14, 2007, 01:40:31 PM: One other small hint working with these, if you lay the material between two layers of cheap tissue paper it makes it really easy to handle things like .5 ozglass cloth. then you can leave the cloth between the sheets until you use it. that way you can roll it up and protect it untilo you are ready for it. Works great to have everything prepped before starting to glass something
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Bill Hodges on February 16, 2007, 09:12:32 AM: Gotta go to Walmart this afternoon. Just might have to pick up one of these. Man can never have too many tools, gadgets, whatevers.

Bill Hodges
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Jim Treace on February 16, 2007, 12:32:46 PM: The dimensioned cutting pad and pizza-like razor cutter (can't remember what the seamstress's call it), is also very useful for laying out and cutting tracing paper outlines from plans for parts and paint schemes.
Jim
Title: Re: Neat method to cut covering material
Post by: Bill Heher on February 17, 2007, 08:46:15 AM: These types of devices are known as "Rotary fabric Cutters" or "Rotary Shears" and one of the best is made by Fiskars. You can also get seperate blades with differnt profiles, I know that a "Pinking edge" blade is available, along with a scallop edge and various others. If your wife already has the handle, you can buy your own blades and not be accused of "Ruining my good craft tools with your darn airplane building".

Or you can buy your significant other one of these, and score some points, then get your own blades for when you use it.

Myself- I just sneak it out of her cabinet and put it back when I'm done- but I thrive on Danger!