As the Title Says, How do you cut Circles from Plasticard I have tried some different variations with various levels of success, Is there a definitive way


redleg

Cheapo method is a compass or set of dividers, if you can find a set that will happily fit a blade that makes it easier but dividers work fine though you don't always get a perfect edge.

Now days I use an actual circle cutter I got from a hobby store like this one.

Howdy RedLeg,

I've used a couple of 'old' methods over the years, either method depending entirely on what my finished product requirements were.

The first method was simply using a drafters circle template and drawing the proper sized circle. I would then run a sturdy pin thru the center of the circle I had drawn, and place my trusty #11 Xacto knife on the line and slowly spin the piece of plasticard around the center pin scoring the card as I went. Once the card is sufficiently scored, just gently bend and snap your circle away...

Second method {when my circle template didn't have the exact sized circle I needed, was to place an Xacto swivel knife in a drafters compass and score the plasticard that way....

But pavehawk's nifty new circle cutter looks like the 'bee's knee's'

Tread.

I've tried the compass/knife and divider method and found if your not careful either will track in or out{bend/flex} on a second or so pass...I just used a standard compass and made the needed sized circle and then cut it out with an exacto knife and then sanded smooth.

I usually just use a compass point, in an old exacto handle and some draftmans circle templates, scoring lightly on each pass. Eventually you'll have a groove that your #11 blade will follow without problems, if you just use light presure.

Although I recently did pick up one off those fancy cutting compasses, I haven't used it yet.

Those compass cutters are certainly the way to go.Mine cost me less than £3 on Ebay,and I use it for cutting paper masks.
If you start off lightly and work slowly im sure they will work fine on plasticard as well.
Nige

As Dave and Nigel say, take it light and slow.

I use a compass that I I managed to lash a #11 blade to. It works OK, but it pays to go a little large and sand it down after it is cut.

Thanks Guys you've been a great help as usual i think i will try one of those circle cutters


redleg

How big of a circle do you need? If you want a perfect circle or oring every time, use a punch and die set. Precision Brand sells three very nice sets for larger circles (starting at 1/8").

I have a set, and they are really great tools.

-Doug

I can't say I'm all that impressed with the "circle cutters". I find they have a very bad tendancy to waver in and out as stated before.

Olfa(Japan) have a circle cutter that works very well, never had a problem cutting circles with it.


Mark

I've been down and out so I just saw this.


If I'm cutting more than one circle and I want the same size:

Rough cut the circle.
Punch a hole in the middle the same size as the screw in my motor tool cutting wheel (or drill).
Stack up the number of circles I need (max about 5 or 6).
Use the motor tool (or drill) like a lathe and round them out.
Finish w/ some sandpaper (light touch so you don't melt).

You can turn out 15-20 perfect circles w/ this in no time.

For Larger circles I Use a Drafting compass with a pen/pencil holding attachment only I use a Xacto backwards to scribe it out....... but i do use the Olfa one for smaller ones.

Okay Bwana, I'll try this asap.

Thanks Roger.

My local Michael's arts & craft stores had a bunch of the Olfa circle cutters on the clearance rack for $3. I bought one a long time ago and they've been hanging there for many moons.

Hi, its my first post!

Yes the circle cutter shown before is the way I cut circles as well. The thing they did not tell you though is when you use it, turn it backwards. If you use the back of the blade it will scrape out the circle rather than slice. This will also rid you of the blade wanting to wander. I use a small piece of blu-tack (poster putty) to hold the piece while I cut. When you get most of the way through, pop it out and scrape the side square. I just wish it had a hand crank on top to make it easier.....guess I should add one.

EDIT: My bad, Roger Inwood did mention this. I missed the second page