Rotary cutter and cutting board

**Redoleary** · 12-15-2010, 05:46

The rotary cutter is not really new info, but the cutting board is something I did not know about and might make a good alternative for DIY'ers. I'd bet it applies to nylon as well as fiberglass.
http://www.eaavideo.org/channel.aspx...ints_composite.

**TZBrown** · 12-15-2010, 07:18

I have used a rotary cutter for a long time on sil nylon and other fabrics.

The cutting board was always a pain and pretty expensive and small.

I really like the idea of using the FRP plastic 4X8 sheet as a cutting board.

I will have to add that to my sewing kit the next time I am at the lumber yard.

TZ

**Ramblinrev** · 12-15-2010, 08:17

Most sewing shops carry cutting boards to go with their rotary cutters. They are reasonably useful for garments like shirts and shorts. But they do tend to max out at about 24" making them a pain for long cuts such as tarps and hammocks. Particularly when repositioning the board can throw off the alignment of a cat cut and such. They do self seal which means they stay smooth and don't splinter apart like plywood and such do.

**gargoyle** · 12-15-2010, 08:32

I have the rotary cutter and a few different cutting boards.
Also I have a plastic folding table that works great.

Use plastic under the wheel and it will improve the life of the wheel. Using plywood or wood paneling will quickly dull the blade, in my experience.
Replacement blades are fairly cheap, come in a five or ten pack, nice to keep a few extra handy.

**Redoleary** · 12-15-2010, 09:17

I've always resisted the rotary cutters b/c I didn't want to spend $100 on a cutting mat that I felt would be large enough, but the FRP may be worth a shot.

**hangnout** · 12-15-2010, 09:36

I used this to make a cutting table. It is a little softer than the FRP and easier on your cutting blades. Leigh has cut all her quilts in the last year on this table and it is still in great shape. It is nice to have the extra size for tarps, bridge hammocks, etc. I made a rolling table since we use it all the time.

Sheet, HDPE, White, 1/16 In T, 48 x 96 In

**Rain Man** · 12-15-2010, 09:39

THANKS! I use my wife's rotary cutter and board all the time on DIY projects, but the board is small and I have to constantly adjust the fabric. Love this new idea of cheap, big boards.

Rain Man

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**Rain Man** · 12-15-2010, 09:42

Originally Posted by hangnout

Sheet, HDPE, White, 1/16 In T, 48 x 96 In

Okay, my stupid question for today: What is this stuff? "HDPE" is Greek to me. Can you put it in good ole boy English, so I'll know what I'm looking for at the big box stores? Thanks!

Rain Man

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**hangnout** · 12-15-2010, 09:45

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Okay, my stupid question for today: What is this stuff? "HDPE" is Greek to me. Can you put it in good ole boy English, so I'll know what I'm looking for at the big box stores? Thanks!

Rain Man

.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) food grade plastic
You will not find it at the big box stores. Grainger has 2 locations in Nashville. I believe that if you have shipped to the store for pickup it is cheaper.