Thank you all for the replies. I have now been schooled on single edged razor blades, and am ready to start shopping.
Don,
Your learning unfortunately that single edge razor blades do not stay sharp very long in chopping plastic. A shearing movement will do a better job, than chopping, but that's the nature of the beast. For very thin stock it is ok...but better on thin stripwood. I've had My ChopperII since the early 90's, but hardly ever use it anymore.....Instead I use a Proxxon precision table saw, with a 82 tooth blade that will give You a precise square cut everytime......but I do a lot of scratch/bash building in all kinds of materials.
If You have a Sears near You, They sell Industrial strength single edge razor blades in packs of 50 that will work in the chopperII:
http://www.sears.com/allway-standard-razor-blades-50-pack/p-00994861000P?rrec=true:
Take Care!
Frank
maxmanWhile it is nice that folks offer alternate suppliers, I would consider some of them impractical
I agree. Amazon is my first "go-to" source. I only provided the other site because they had good information and it was easy to see the different choices of blade types.
I would hope that ultimately, the purchacer would use discretion as far as where to buy.
Ed
While it is nice that folks offer alternate suppliers, I would consider some of them impractical (the suppliers, not the folks).
For example, although Grainger might be almost everywhere, closest one to me is 25 miles, and I'm close to Philadelphia. And the other outfit with the nice selection requires a $50 order plus shipping.
Grainger, which is available almost everywhere, offers part number 4A807 which is a 100 pack of Stanley made in USA #9 single edged blades. These should fill your needs quite well.
.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
bought a box of cheep ones from HF there .006/.0065 they seem to work ok but have to use care on anything over .125 thick, thats in evergreen styreen.
I bought a box of "Blade Smith" #9 made by Industrial Blades Unlimited, Malvern, PA. probably fifteen years ago. They work fine for me. The Chopper comes with a #9 (.009") you can try "Heavy Duty" blades which are .012" thick.
Still, there are variations in honing and temper. Stainless blades will be a little softer probably getting dull faster.
http://www.razorbladeco.com/blog/24-how-to-chose-the-right-single-edge-razor-blade.aspx
This place seems to have a considerable choice:
http://www.razorbladeco.com/category/24-single-edge-blades.aspx
You may have to try several to find ones that you like.
Have you contacted NWSL for a recommendation?
http://shop.osorail.com/category.sc?categoryId=66
Good Luck, Ed
The blade on my Chopper II has finally broke. I replaced it, but the new blade flexes way too much and the cutting edge chips after only a few uses. What are others using? I found a box on Micromark, but not sure if they are any better than the ones I now have. Thanks.