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Post by Restless Spirit on Apr 25, 2024 15:19:54 GMT
Yet another paper cutter/trimmer question.
Lately I seem to be doing a number of projects where I need to cut chipboard or other heavyweight material.
I’m trying to use up a package of Grafix Medium Weight Acid-Free 0.057” Chipboard Sheets I bought from Amazon along time ago. I also have some Cork Sheets – 2 mm Thick Self Adhesive Cork - I’m using for some crafting projects.
I’ll also admit that I have a bunch of different paper trimmers, none of which is ideal for cutting such thick material. I know I could resort to using a craft knife on a self healing mat. The problem is I just don’t have enough strength in my hands anymore, so it’s rather difficult.
I have both a Fiskars ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer and CutterPillar Pro. Neither trimmer will cut through the Grafix Chipboard. Ugh.
Does anyone else have a need to cut heavy materials? If so, what are you using to cut it with. I’m wondering if I need a Guillotine Paper Cutter. Whatever I get, it needs to be able to cut at least a 12 inch sheet. I’d like to spend $100 or less if that is possible.
TIA
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Post by Embri on Apr 25, 2024 15:47:09 GMT
There's no easy way to cut chipboard.
The most accurate & low-cost way is with a cutting mat, metal ruler and utility knife as you're aware - but that takes a fair bit of skill, practice, strength and good hand/eye coordination.
The only other option I'm aware of is a guillotine cutter, a big heavy industrial one. The usual desktop models that are for paper/cardstock can (maybe) do a single sheet of chipboard but it takes considerable quick pressure on the handle and will not leave a smooth edge. Some of the paper is going to tear instead of shear.
I have seen a few crafters use rotary trimmers on chipboard by cutting one side as far as they can, then flipping the piece over to finish the cut. Unsure on the final edge quality as I haven't tried that myself, and of course there's a margin for error if the alignment isn't absolutely perfect.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Apr 25, 2024 16:06:29 GMT
Ugh. Thank you! I was afraid of that. I do need smooth edges. I’ll definitely try going halfway with a rotary cutter.
As a last resort, I’ll need to enlist my DH to help with a mat and craft knife.
Thanks!
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Post by Embri on Apr 25, 2024 18:02:47 GMT
You might try dual-wielding the rotary trimmer and a craft knife - do the initial measurement and cut with the rotary, cut as far as you can, then finish up with the utility knife. Having half or more of the thickness already cut should reduce the force needed to finish the job considerably. If even holding the knife is an issue then going halfway then passing the project onto DH might be a viable option.
A hand-held rotary cutter is another consideration; they come in straight and angled handles which could afford a better grip, though I find I have to push down harder with one vs. the utility knife or do a lot more passes.
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,184 
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Post by samantha25 on Apr 25, 2024 20:03:59 GMT
Brother scan n cut. GE Forge. See if your local library has a maker space with laser cutters. For example, there was a woman cutting a lamp post out of cardboard for a prop for a play.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,588
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Apr 25, 2024 22:02:17 GMT
If you have an electronic die cutter you could use a deep cut blade... that's all I can think of.
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Post by Embri on Apr 25, 2024 22:45:19 GMT
Grapfix Medium is both thick and quite resistant to cutting. I probably wouldn't trust it to a home plotter-cutter; it dulls blades very rapidly. A laser cutter would of course work like hot knife through butter but most folks don't have access to one of those.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Apr 26, 2024 20:24:58 GMT
I’m feeling more positive about this now. Ha.
I *do* have a handheld rotary cutter. It’s an old Fiskars. That’s worth at least trying.
I also have an older model of a Scan N Cut - SDX125 - that I haven’t used in years. I’m seriously considering buying the deep cut blade to cut the thin (but sort of tough) craft type cork “paper”. I didn’t even know that the Scan N Cut had a deep cut blade, so I learned something new.
If all else fails, my DH’s boss has a laser cutter. His wife (who happens to be my hairstylist) makes and sells wood filigree earrings. She designs them, he cuts them with the laser machine and then she paints and stains the wood. I’m sure he would cut a few pieces for me for the project I’m working on.
Thanks to everyone for all of the ideas. I’ve been googling and watching videos, but these ideas seem the most reasonable for me to attempt at this time.
Thanks again!
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