I need to cut the height of a Chooch stone bridge down to fit my layout
What should I use to make a clean cut
If I’m correct in assuming that you are talking about a resin composition bridge, the simplest, most basic approach is to carefully cut the item with a hacksaw (when doing so, outline the edge of the cut with masking tape as a cutting guide). It can be slow work unless the blade is brand new but it will get the job done. Personally, I usually employ a table saw with a plywood blade put in to run backwards, running the piece through very slowly. This provides a very clean, even, cut. While less guys have them, a band saw would be even better. Naturally, always employ a guide fence. In all cases, make a special effort to protect yourself from the resulting airborne dust during cutting.
CNJ831
Band saw would be my recommendation. Also, use eye and mouth protection… that resin dust can be NASTY… I am alway finding it in my hair when I shower afterwords, despite precautions! Good luck.
Brian
Yes cutting the Chooch resin creates quite an odor and you might want to do it outside. I used a small hacksaw with a blade meant for metal and it created a nice clean cut that was trued up easily with an old file. Do NOT try the “score and break” method that works so well with styrene plastic. The resin tends to break in unexpected places even if there is a cut groove into it. If that sounds like the voice of experience, well …
Oh and save the scrap pieces. Over time I have found uses for almost all of them.
Dave Nelson
Count me as another hacksaw user. I used a metal ruler as a guide for the blade and slowly worked the hacksaw until I got a shallow groove that the hacksaw would stay in. Once I had that I had no need for the ruler any more and just sawed as usual. The only power saw I own is a miter saw, and it is a full size one not a “craft” one, so it wasn’t really an option.