Hawkwrench Posted April 30, 2021 Share Posted April 30, 2021 I need to cut about 4 styrene discs. 020 thick and 3/8 wide. Any recommendations as to what's the best for such small disks? I've looked at the Olfa one and it doesn't go that small. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Kevin Posted May 1, 2021 Share Posted May 1, 2021 I use a circle template and a needle in a pin vise for this kind of work. In the image below I'm cutting an oval hatch using a similar technique: Kev Eagle Driver 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkwrench Posted May 1, 2021 Author Share Posted May 1, 2021 So just run the needle around the inside of the circle on the template??? Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Kevin Posted May 1, 2021 Share Posted May 1, 2021 1 hour ago, Hawkwrench said: So just run the needle around the inside of the circle on the template??? Tim Yep! Just tape the template down firmly so that it's less likely to move. You'll also have to press it down with your fingers, as the needle will really want to push it out of place as it goes around. The thicker the styrene, the less successful this method tends to be, and you need to focus on keeping the tool as vertical as possible. Start lightly and try not to dig the needle in with too much pressure. Tricky, but it works pretty well given the right conditions. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthumbs Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 Another technique for creating circles of this size is to bevel appropriately sized brass tubing to a sharp edge, creating a metal punch that can be struck into the sheet of plastic with a hammer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkwrench Posted May 3, 2021 Author Share Posted May 3, 2021 54 minutes ago, allthumbs said: Another technique for creating circles of this size is to bevel appropriately sized brass tubing to a sharp edge, creating a metal punch that can be struck into the sheet of plastic with a hammer. That's a good idea. I'll try Kevin's and your idea each. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg W Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 FYI Pricy, but it will easily and precisely cut 3/8" holes and discs in thicker plastic sheet. https://www.micromark.com/Precision-Disk-Punch-Set Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmthamade Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 Sometimes you can use old brass from shooting, sizing may be limited. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alain11 Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 another way , however a little bit expensive ( you can find it to different price ), but very useful to cut even very small circle , that works on thin plastic sheet too ...... find it Alain RLWP 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scimitarf1 Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 21 minutes ago, alain11 said: another way , however a little bit expensive ( you can find it to different price ), but very useful to cut even very small circle , that works on thin plastic sheet too ...... find it Alain For the price of this a Cricut or Silhouette cutter is not that much more expensive and they are much more versatile. Uncarina 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alain11 Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 1 hour ago, scimitarf1 said: For the price of this a Cricut or Silhouette cutter is not that much more expensive and they are much more versatile. hi you are right , the " Silhouette cutter is way more " versatile " . If I dare to say , the limit , is your imagination , but its prise is from 150 Euros to 250 Euros more or less " my" tool , is .......25 to 66 Euros .....more or less , but............. we are limited to cutting only ...... circles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob MDC Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 Automotive/aerospace "wad punches" should be able to buy the size you need https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=12mm+wad+punch&adgrpid=103193631246&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4cOEBhDMARIsAA3XDRioCxc093F8CIqDTYHGZV920aeKVqIyviMQvww44ngBX4dwHEOmkJgaAhATEALw_wcB&hvadid=448575748304&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9044859&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5267704876836837296&hvtargid=kwd-434161278377&hydadcr=27348_1726524&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_7o561k0szu_b_p50 Bob Greg W 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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