scroll saw to cut 1.5mm plastic

HelenI · 16 Dec 2009

Hi, just joined the forum.

I want to buy a scroll saw for craft work to cut 1/2" thick pine wood in heart shapes. I also want to use it for my work in making muppet style puppets - I make the mouths from 1.5mm plastic cut in a half circle shape - up till now I've used heavy scissors but it's sore on the hands!

I've looked back the threads and the SIP about £80 seems to be recommended. Checked web too and noticed Screw fix at £60 then the Clarke 16" at £55 and the Clarke variable at £77.

Just want to make sure before I buy that it will cut the plastic OK.

Also read lots on blade size but am none the wiser! Any advice on this would be very much appreciated.

StevieB · 16 Dec 2009

Saws - stick with your choice of the SIP. Clarke are an icky yucky cheap brand of just about everything they make and you really do get what you pay for in terms of cheap tools.

As for cutting plastics, any scrollsaw will cut them, but the quality of cut you get will be variable depending on blade speed and feed rate. Too fast and you risk the piece splintering, fuzzy edges, or more commonly the edge getting hot and re-sealing behind the blade. Set the blade speed to low(ish) and keep the feed rate down. Regarding blades, go for something like a number 5 to start with and see if it does what you want. As you are not doing intricate internal or piercing cuts this should be fine. Pinless blades from Mike (flying dutchman brand) are typically recommended for timber, but for plastic I would try what you can easily get and see if it gives an acceptable finish for you requirements. Mike is a member here and may be able to offer more specific advice on blade types.

not many people here cut plastics routinely that I am aware of, so a bit or trial and error may be needed to find what works best for you in terms of blades.

HTH,

Steve

HelenI · 17 Dec 2009

thanks Steve for your reply! My husband ordered the SIP online last night as a Christmas present so that should be on it's way!

The info on how to cut plastic was great and exactly what I was looking for. Should save me a lot of time and bother trying it out.

I'm now looking at blades. Got the Scroll Saw from Tools by Post but they didn't seem to do the blades. Tool Box have blades but call them fret saw blades which I'm presuming is the same thing? They seem to be reasonably priced which is good!

Helen

stevebuk · 17 Dec 2009

hi helen
get yourself a few blades together to start with then try out the Flying Dutchmans blades,

http://www.mikesworkshop.com/

i get my blades from mike, he's a great guy full of knowledge and fast friendly service, he also does a trial pack of assorted blades.

Have fun..

ps i have no connection with mike at all, just my opinion on his blades.

JAYJAY · 17 Dec 2009

Hi Helen,
Fret saw......Scroll saw yeah don't worry same thing

Here's a few sites to go at for blades, but google away there are more than you think out there i got all these within a couple of searches! also read some of the older threads there's sure to be plenty of info on blade selection. the Dutchmen and Olson's seem to be the best

http://www.mikesworkshop.com/blades.htm

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Store/Craf ... -$4-Blades

http://www.tinytools.co.uk/Saws_&_Saw_B ... index.html

http://www.shesto.co.uk/Olson_Scroll_Sa ... index.html

http://www.woodworkscraftsupplies.co.uk ... ?cPath=103

have fun with your new pressy hope it gets to you in time for christmas!
all the best,
Jay

edit: hi sorry Steve must have been searching and typing away at the same time mate i've added Mikes workshop in there as well :lol: but well worth a second mention!

Mike M · 17 Dec 2009

Most people who cut plastic like to use the FD-Polar # 5.
Most like to use the package tape, it releases friction due to a chemical on top of the tape. Tt helps that it does not melt back together.
Mike