"Foamboard cutters" Topic

Looking for advice on whether it is worth investing in a proper foamboard cutter, rather than simply using a sharp hobby knife and steel ruler (perhaps with an ample supply of sticking plasters).

The foamboard is really only to be used for the backing of paper models to provide additional strength and support.

I understand that it is somewhat difficult to cut foamboard with a hobby knife: does a proper cutter really make it any easier? If so, what make should I go for?

Thanks,

Alan

As long as you use the three cut process and be prepared to change the blade at the first sign of it tearing the paper, a craft knife and ruler are fine.

(First cut for the top card layer, next for the foam core, last cut for the lower card layer.)

Worth checking the worldworks games forum for advice too.

I use a single edged razor blade to cut it and have never ahd a problem.

Yes. Get the Xacto version at Walmart because they sell it dirt cheap. The cutter helped me tremendously.

Understanding you might be paying for foam board but as an experiment try a serrated steak knife as well as a utility knife. I sometimes have to cut the stuff at work and that's what I use. Start with the utility blade and another longer blade will pretty much follow the first as the easiest path of no resistance. Always say it's a shame my game board isn't made with it as I have quite a few around the house. I like the looks but it would upset my figure stands.

The beauty of the foam board cutter (I also recommend the Xacto) is the ability to cut accurate 90 and 45 degree angles. Really helpful if you're doing architectural modeling.

Too bad you didn't pick up the foamboard cutter when it was in the $1 USD stores a year or so ago… I picked up three!

link

Well, it's only $3.88 USD at Walmart, so no big loss not buying it for a buck. Not sure why I could need three of them. The replacement blade packs are cheap as well.

BTW I have no idea why Xacto always lists this cutter at $19 USD retail. Makes no sense when Walmart sells if for under $4. USD

A video from Xacto showing how to use it:
YouTube link

Wow – that video seems to simplify things quite well!

Many thanks for the helpful replies.

I use Woodland Scenics Hoam cutter, great tool!

link

The WS cutter is great for pink or blue foam, but not for cutting foamboard as the OP wants because no way to get 100% straight lines for making buildings.

Most useful thread. Thanks all.

One handy gizmo I've found is a "Rabbet Cutter". You slide the edge of a piece of foamcore through it and it will slice off the paper on one side and the foam core, but leave the other paper side untouched. The cut is the exact width of the thickness of the foamcore. So you can then glue another piece to the first and the remaining bit of paper will cover the edge of the second piece forming a perfect rabbet joint. Strong and looks good.

The X-ACTO cutter pictured does rabbet cuts, if you leave both blades on and set it for shallow cutting depth. See the video posted by CPBelt. Also the nose of the tool is meant to plane the material out from between the two cuts -- I just learned this from the video, I've been peeling and scraping.

I paid full retail for my X-ACTO cutter years ago and thought it was worth it. Small as it is it does a lot. At the Walmart price, it's a steal.

Cut mine on a band saw. A few swipes of a nailfile removes the feathered paper on the back side.

The rabbet cutter is great if you want to cut only one layer of card and the foam. Allows better joints and such.

Worth the cost IMHO.