03-05-2010, 09:19 AM
Allegheny2-6-6-6 Wrote:I read some where perhaps in either MR or RMC about using styrene for streets but how do you cut it? It seems that every time I try and cut some of the .020 sheet styrene I have the cut edge never comes out sharp enough. Iuse a brand new #10 blade but the edge still doesn't look just right. I am contemplating using a large paper cutter that I have to see if I can get a more uniformed edge.
If you are cutting with a blade or a rotary cutter (round "blade") you are actually displacing material, not removing it. The styrene is being pushed out of the way, which leaves that little ridge along the edge. Doctorwayne's clean-up technique is one way to remedy the situation. You can also drag an older blade sideways along the edge. This is not as neat, but works well and is quick for things like roads where the edge is likely to be hidden.
As for cutting with a shear-type paper cutter, I have not tried it, but would think that the edge would come out cleaner than with a blade. Same probably applies to a good sharp pair of scissors.
Andrew