Re: Re: Cutting KM73 polymer plates
Jon and Susan An old school paper cutter works just fine, most departments want to get rid of them. A simple cleanup with a diamond file and your in business. The hard part is curl on the cut plate remember to back cut it and it will lay flat. Jon good idea, I use blotter paper or mat board to hold down the plates when cutting. I also cut a number of plates in a session, you get better at it. It is good to see Poly gravure getting so much space I am off to AV tomarrow for som plates. best of luck Jan Pietrzak From: Jon Lybrook <jon@terabear.com> Date: 2007/02/07 Wed PM 02:13:43 CST To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca Subject: Re: Cutting KM73 polymer plates Hey Susan, Out of desperation I've used the blade approach to cut plates (score on the steel side with a ruler many times, then break). That works in a pinch. Paper cutter works better, though it's sometimes difficult to get a straight cut. I cut them using a paper cutter (poly side up, leaving the mylar on). If cutting big plates, I also take a flat board, and use it to hold down the plate, close to the blade during cutting and try to keep the plate flush against the ruler/guide on the top of the cutter. This helps prevent the plate from bowing so much and helps to achieve a straighter cut. No, it is not good for the paper cutter (though it still cuts paper), and goo tends to build up on the blade which needs to be cleaned with alcohol periodically. Cheers, Jon SusanV wrote: > HI guys... I'm testing away here today, and getting some encouraging > results! My newest question is how do ya'll cut these plates? I've > tried a draw knife with a carbon steel blade, and a similar tool used > for cutting plexi. I've used both before when cutting zinc plates for > printmaking (by making multiple scores), but these thin little polymer > and steel (?) or (aluminum (?), things are killing me to cut through. > > I'm about ready to break out the circular saw or the table saw :o))) > > susan > > www.dalyvoss.com > >
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