The Framers Forum

I have not so for got into using Dibond, but I am beginning to think about it as a possible next move. I will not necessarily order it in cut to size, but I may well keep a sheet in stock and cut it my self as needed. Does anyone else do this and what is the best method to use for cutting it?? I am thinking about whether I can cut it with a minature circular saw with an 85mm diameter 80 tooth blade and a guide track to suite the saw.

I am not much in to getting materials cut to size elsewhere as I don't like hold up's while I am waiting to do the job. I aim to have most things in stock so that I can get on with the job as quickly as possible. Any thoughts.

Thanks,
Mark.

You almost certainly can cut DiBond with this. Normal practice I think is with a fine tooth negative rake blade. Expect lots of statically attracted dust.

For clean cuts, my first choice would be a Steeltrak... But other methods include score and snap - cut through the top aluminium skin with a really sharp stanley blade, then fold over the hard edge of a work surface, and wiggle snap. Clean up with a file / sandpaper / de burring tool. I've done this a few times when I've needed cuts longer than my Steeltrak can handle. Didn't enjoy it, but it is doable, and I know of people who use this technique all the time. I've either used a big safety ruler, with rubber base, or the cutting bar from our big bench. I see no reason why the score cut couldn't be done one something like a 4000 wmc.

Genuine dibond has .3mm skins, cheaper options tend to be .2mm, so are easier to cut, but less rigid.

Hi Richard,

Thanks very much that's really helpful information. Score and snap sounds great to me and saves my needing to buy a miniature circular saw and this would be an easy solution for me.

Thanks,
Mark.