The Framers Forum

Help! Has anyone got any ideas on how to cut 2.5mm hardboard neatly and straight without having to purchase an excalibur (as I do not have room for it).

Hi Linda

You can do it with a Stanley knife with a little practice.

Use a non slip ruler, and do the first score very lightly, to create an accurate 'tram-line' to follow. Then score another 3 or 5 times until you are through. Don't press too hard, let the blade do the work.

Once you have cut it, you can use an abrasive pad to clean the edge.

Takes longer than a bench end guillotine or Keencut, but you will soon get in the swing of it.

Hi Jim

Happy New Year to you. Blimey that was a quick response. I'll have a go with your suggestion - thank you (as my garage is so full up with equipment now, I'll have to lose the Xmas pounds to fit in!!!).

I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the recent moulding - brilliant for practising (still working on the finishing of the moulding which will not beat me but does drive you mad). Really much appreciated.

Regards

Linda

actually a much better way to do it is score it half way through

then flip the sheet and bend it, and it will snap clean along the line

clean up the edge if needs be

It's a lot less bother to buy a backing board which is easier to cut. There are some really good one's which are reasonable on price too!

There is the Rototrim.

http://www.rotatrim.com/product.php?product_code=7

Not cheap but cheaper than an Excalbur. Doesn't cut glass though. I mounted mine on a sheet of 19mm chipboard leaning against the wall.

It will cut 2.5 MDF easily, but Hardboard is a bit near it's limit.

I also used a rotatrim before buying a fletcher wall cutter.
Works well for 2mm MDF but not used on hardboard

I no longer use it so if you decide you want one, send me an email and i'll work out a price for it.

Best regards
Steve

Thanks everyone for your reply, it is much appreciated. I'll have a go with the stanley knife first. Thanks for the offer of the rotatrim to purchase but I have run out of space in the garage