cutting cork

[lyctus]

Have any forum members got any tips for cutting cork sheet cleanly ? I have sheets of 1/8"(3mm) 3x2ft cork and I want to slice it into 1/2 width HO track underlay but it is difficult to cut cleanly. Any suggestions will be valued.

[cacole]

A very sharp utility knife cuts sheet cork. Make several passes with the knife instead of trying to cut all the way through on the first pass. I've also used a good pair of scissors to cut sheet cork, but this is a little more difficult to do than the utility knife trick.

The best type of utility knife is one with the break-off blades, since they seem to be much sharper and thinner than the others. Keep the knife blade at a low angle, and use a metal ruler as a cutting guide.

[SpaceMouse]

Use a phase pistol on a setting just above stun. Move quickly with a fluid motion as not to set the cork on fire.

Danged there are so many times I wish for tools that won't be invented for centuries.

[Anonymous]

Broadsword, nice and sharp.

The Cork Slicer from Ronko.

Mark in Utah

[howmus]

Piece of cake!

1. Sharp Hobby Knife (not that one you have been using for scraping the top of dirty track for last 3 months) (yeh, you know who you are......) Did I say use a SHARP hobby knife????
2. Heavy straight edge. I use a 2' level as a straight edge when I do stuff like this. Don't forget new razor edge (Opps, already said that).
3. Measure and mark cork. Measure it again!
4. Put straight edge across cork. Press down hard on straight edge so it doesn't decide to slip as you cut it (and your hand with the sharp knife). keep fingers out of path most likely to be transversed by SHARP hobby knife. Oh, have bandages available.
5. Using a light constant pressure on the SHARP knife, draw it across cork keeping it in touch with the straight edge. (Use the sharp end of the knife.) One or two scribes should cut 1/8" cork with no problem.
6. Measure Twice! Cut once! Oh use a sharp knife! (Yep, I've cut cork a couple times before.... LOL)

Hope this doesn't lead to a trip to the hospital, but just in case. Howmus is not responsible for other people playing with sharp objects. The user of said sharp objects assumes all responsibility for his/her actions. [;)]

[lyctus]

Thanks fellas,particularly SpaceMouse...why didn't I think of this ?.... Mark in Utah, who is Ronko ?......I will look on the web...
I asked the question as I am finding that the stuff wants to crumble, or "ball up" sort of as I cut it. I think the light cut/level as a straight edge approach from Ray might be my low tech solution.

[Anonymous]

Ronko,

The guy that makes all those infomercials selling all sorts of kitchen gadgets and knives that easily cut through your beer cans and such. Been making those annoying commercials for +30 years now...

Personally, I don't see why you'd want to cut through your beer can, unless you want to lick the last little bit out of the can.....

Got ya on that one!!!! :-p

Mark in Utah

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mark_in_utah

Ronko,

The guy that makes all those infomercials selling all sorts of kitchen gadgets and knives that easily cut through your beer cans and such. Been making those annoying commercials for +30 years now...

Personally, I don't see why you'd want to cut through your beer can, unless you want to lick the last little bit out of the can.....

Got ya on that one!!!! :-p
[:D]Mark, you're dangerous, you know..[:D]

Mark in Utah

[lyctus]

OK Mark, we haven't got Ronko Down Under, but I think we have got his brother, and we get a better deal....steak knives with the Slicer !!

[Anonymous]

LOL!!!!

It slices, it dices, it does it all, and better yet the blades NEVER get dull!!!!

:-)

Mark in Utah