Because I have rocks in my head and too much time on my hands, I’m getting set to build my second pack. I used styrene the first time around and I plan on using it again. I like working with the stuff. However, to cut it, I was using the score-and-snap method, which didn’t give me the results I was looking for. This time, I think I’m going to look for a power tool to cut it.
That in mind, anyone ever used something along the line of a hobby-size table saw? If so, what was your experience with it? Also, anyone have any good ideas on where to find one of these things outside of eBay.
Sounds like a good idea Iggy! I’m not sure if they have the torque for the job but most large hobby websites have those small hobby saws… I know I have a catalog at home that has them listed, I’ll see if I can post a link tomorrow.
And if you don’t mind me asking, about how much did you pay for a proton pack sized order of styrene?
What problems did you have using the score and snap method, if you don’t mind?
It was roughly $45 for three 12"x24" sheets, which gave enough to complete the pack and gun. I ordered directly from Evergreen.
As for the score and snap method, it works fine when you’re playing around with thin sheets, but I built my pack out of 1/10th inch sheet, which is thick. It takes a lot to score it, and every time I snapped it, it’d leave a lip on the edge, which I never could seem to get rid of. This was a problem when I glued up components. It would leave ugly-looking seams or parts that were out of square.
Seams can always be filled in with bondo putty. Anyway, as for joining them up square, if you are simply trying to glue the pieces of plastic to each other straight up, it may help if you lay out a “shelf” system using something like wooden strips or blocks on one of the pieces. Then you can simply glue the other pieces to the shelfs.