Where can I find a non-slip metal ruler? I need one when working with styrene sheets. What ruler do you guys suggest? And how long must it be?
You could probably just use pieces of double sided tape- get the type that is temporary- and after attaching the tape to the ruler, dab the tape a few times with your fingers, so the tape loses some tackiness.
I would think the ruler wouldn’t be any longer than the styrene you are working with, or two feet long.
If you’re talking about using it as a cutting guide, a ruler may not always be the best bet. For modeller size sheets of styrene (like from Evergreen), a better bet might be a clamping and cutting device like the Northwest Shortline Duplicutter.
Try an arts & crafts store. Most metal rulers for artwork come with a thin layer of cork on the back to prevent them from slipping.
Jim
The duplicutter, while good can only make about a 5 or 6 inch max cut - no good if your working with full sheets or making buildings. Drafting supply stores have the rulers with the cork backs, but it won’t be calibrated for RR scales. Micro-mark has a nice cutting guide in 6 and 12 inch lengths with a knob on it to hold it in place. Works very well and saves the fingers.
I have found a aluminium ruler here in Sweden.
Do you guys think aluminium will work, or must it be steel?
The ruler are 30, 50 or 60 cm in length and comes with anti-slip rubber.
[2c]I have two rulers an alum yard stick and an 18" ruler I just put masking tape on the back of them both,works for me!![:)]
JIM
EL, many steel rulers have cork applied to their nether sides. Maybe that would do a good job for you.
I use a 12" square with foam glued to the bottom. Square cuts and no slipage!
David
Aluminum is a lot softer than steel, and you can nick it, cut it, or at least shave it a bit, with a utility knife if you’ve got a sharp, new blade. Eventually you could kind of mess up the edge.
Why do you need a metal ruler? Draftsmen would only use wood or plastic due to the thermal expansion differences in metals. Most school wood rulers in the USA have a metal edge in a wood ruler. Dependent on temperature swings a metal rule might not be the best choice. and any cutting could be done with a piece of metal to run a blade against after marking the styrene.
For cutting, I bought a 1" x 1" x 36 inch extruded aluminum angle. I use a scale rule to measure and the aluminum to cut. The upright is a handle for fingers, no more finger slicing, and the 1/8th inch height of the angle is just right for a strong guide. If you hold the blade properly ( perpendicular to the styrene) the cutting edge is in the center of the blade and can’t cut or nick the aluminum. I haven’t needed to stick the base, but if I do I will try to use rubber cement to glue a strip of fine grit sandpaper on it.