What’s the best way to cut window holes on Evergreen styrene sheets? I am used to using wood for HO scratch built buildings but thought I’d try the new fangled stuff.
I know the Micro-Mark catalogue has a 90 degree punch made specifically for cutting (or punching) the corners of window holes in plastic, because I am about to buy one. It is around $20.00 but I think it will save a lot of time and create perfect corners in window holes versus using an X-Acto knife. With the X-Acto, I tend to over-cut the corners.
When I get mine, I’ll post my opinion about this tool.
Hope this helps.
Mondo
I have looked at the angle-chisel Micro-Mark sells and thought maybe I need it. However, I have simply used a # 11 in my Xacto and seem to do a serviceable job. Remember, you really only need to score the plastic and then flex the cut and it will break out.
The 90 degree chisel works well.If I’m working with thin enough styrene,I just drill a small hole in each of the four corners,useing a #11 exacto blade,I cut a X connecting the holes(you have to cut all the way through) then just score and snap the plastic.You may want to file or sand the edges,but it’s usually not necessary and the window or door frame will cover the cut
Thanks for your help and suggestions. [:D]
There is also a tool (which Micro Mark and Radio Shack sell) called a “nibbler” that is used to cut square holes in electronics cases. You drill a hole and then the nibbler takes rectangular bites out the enlarge the hole.
Dave H.