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Cutting Basswood

Discussion in 'General Talk Forum' started by Mark44, Mar 22, 2011.

  1. Mark44

    Mark44 Member

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    As an architect, I like to use basswood to build models with. I use sketchup to create an electronic model, and Pepakura designer to help build my models. I think I could make use of the phlatprinter to save a lot of time cutting out my model pieces, and therefore speed up the process for me. So, I wondering if anyone has actually cut basswood. I don't see it listed. It comes in stick or sheets, most of the sheet sizes I use are 4" x 24", the thickness varies from 1/8" to 1/4". Basswood is a light, tight grained wood thaat I think would be easy to cut by hand, but I'm not too sure if the phlatprinter would have an easy time with it. Opinions anyone.

    Thanks.

    Mark
     
    Mark44, Mar 22, 2011
    #1
  2. Jnida63

    Jnida63 Member

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    I am sure the PP 3 would have no problems cutting it, i have cut it with my MKI with no problems, I just had to make a foam carrier to hold it.
     
    Jnida63, Mar 22, 2011
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  3. rcav8r

    rcav8r Moderator Staff Member

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    I've cut up to 1/4" Aircraft ply (Birch I believe) with both my MKI, and more recently my PP. It is best to set it up for multipass of around 1/32". That is make multiple cuts, each one a 32nd deeper. Before the multi-pass option was available I did cut in one pass. It was slow, and made slightly ragged cuts, but worked. With the Multi-pass I cut at 55ipm, but think I can go faster, and the cuts are baby butt smooth. I recently cut some templates to use with a hotwire. I didn't have to touch them up or anything. They worked without snagging.
    I don't use a carrier with the new rollers the PP
     
    rcav8r, Mar 22, 2011
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  4. Mark44

    Mark44 Member

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    Thanks for the quick replies.

    If birch ply can be cut, Basswood which cuts easily with an xacto knife should be no problem. Sounds like I would have to do some experimentation, but I can live with that. I was mostly concerned about the width of the sheets.
     
    Mark44, Mar 22, 2011
    #4
  5. TigerPilot

    TigerPilot Well-Known Member

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    Mark, you don't have to worry about the width of the sheet. We cut balsa all the time and it comes in width of 3" and 4".
     
    TigerPilot, Mar 23, 2011
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