How do you cut sheet styrene?

jdeleonardis · Post by **jdeleonardis** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 4:59 pm

I just bought an AMT star destroyer off of evil bay and its missing parts (plus, Id like to try to add some of my own detail).

What tool do you use to cut sheet styrene? What do you use to create detail in it? Ive looked at some of the stickies at the top of the forum...does an x-acto work? Something else like a Dremel?

tonyG2 · Post by **tonyG2** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:07 pm

Depends on what sort of cutting you mean.

Simplest approach is to use an sharp modelling knife and a metal ruler. Score the sheet styrene but don't try to cut all the way through. Then snap the section from the main sheet. Makes for a cleaner cut line.

For more complex shapes you can use patterns to cut round or use an Olfa Compass Cutter etc.

Richard Baker · Post by **Richard Baker** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:59 pm

The above score and pop method works great for sheets. If you get some of the thin evergreen strips I set a few on top of each other and push the blade through the stack. By getting different thicknesses of these you can glue them on the star destroyer and make some good detail. Use thicker pieces for separations and thin pieces for ledges. Gluing pieces the same size above each other is good, placing a vertical strip every so often between them like an elevator does a lot. Thin of an internal structure and the the pieces you are attaching as falling in line with the internals we cannot see. When you get enough on it will suddenly look 'right'. The biggest problem with that model is the surface detail was flat lines- anything you do to increase the depth of the textures and deepen the shadows will really make it shine.

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jdeleonardis · Post by **jdeleonardis** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:43 pm

Thanks for all of the info. I didnt know anything about evergreen styrene until this post. After a little looking, I think Im in love!

Thanks again

Richard Baker · Post by **Richard Baker** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:23 pm

I used to cut my own strips from thin sheets- it seemed silly to pay that much for precut stripes. Now that I started using it I am a lot happier- it is worth the expense in time saving and uniformity.
Their tubes come in concentric sizes- great for moving hing parts and telescoping landing gear. They usually have a package of random mixed parts- get one to play with when you can.

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rocketrider · Post by **rocketrider** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:45 am

I'm not sure how much you pay for the small sheets of styrene, but check with your local Sign Shop Distributor. Ours in this area is Wensco Sign Supply

4'x8' sheets:

.020 White Styrene $6.82
.030 White Styrene $10.23
.040 White Styrene $13.64
.060 White Styrene $20.47

And im not 100% sure of the difference between this stuff and evergreen.

Glen

Richard Baker · Post by **Richard Baker** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:05 am

Those prices are pretty good. My company buys like that and the supplier usually has the same stuff cut cown to 18"x24" (common yard sign size for silkscreening). That is a little more managable to stock at the house- I usually get about twenty sheets to keep on hand.
Evergreen is more expensive but it in thin strips, rods, tubes, C/I/H beams etc about 11" long in packs. It is best for small detailing.

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