Susan and Jon,
I have no experience with this material but here is a thought I'll cast out,
about cutting the plates.
Could the really huge sheet metal hand shears be used to cut this material?
I don't mean the small wimpy ones but the ones that are almost 1.5 feet
long. The kind that might be used to cut sheet steel roofing.
Just a thought, interesting thread though, keep it going.
Don Bryant
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Lybrook [mailto:jon@terabear.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 3:14 PM
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
>
>