In addition to very sharp blades, cutting mat and good metal straight 
edge, I keep a pair of squeeze clamps handy to secure the straight edge 
on my marks.  Then I don't have to worry so much about exerting pressure 
on the straight edge while thinking about how the blade is going through 
the material.

Carolyn


On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 4:08 PM, Dan Bartlett wrote:

> What Carol said (thanks Carol -- saved me some typing!)
>
> Only thing I would add is that you should get a thick metal straight 
> edge,
> not some flimsy little metal meter stick -- a honkin' 2-3" wide by 3-4 
> foot
> long straightedge that's 3/16" thick or so (at the local construction
> warehouse super store of your choice). Also get a LARGE self healing 
> cutting
> mat (at the fabric store). Now about that straightedge -- if it's 
> aluminum
> (and it probably will be) it can leave marks on your materials that 
> look
> like graphite smears. Spray it (the straightedge) down with a coat or 
> two of
> clear acrylic before you use it.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Dan
>
> On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 2:34 PM, Carol Ely <[log in to unmask]> 
> wrote:
>
>>  A matt knife is sturdier than an Xacto knife, and works better. But 
>> it
>> has to be SHARP. Very sharp. Be prepared to change blades frequently, 
>> or you
>> get the jagged edges that never go away. Use a metal straightedge 
>> (you can
>> get them quite long) and a flat surface padded with a cut-able 
>> substance
>> (scrap foam core works). Take 2 or 3 cuts to go through – this works 
>> better
>> than using force to do it in one cut.  It’s a zen thing – breathe 
>> into it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good luck! And sharp blades.
>>
>>
>> Carol Ely
>>
>> Historic Locust Grove
>>
>> Louisville
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>
>
> -- 
> Dan Bartlett
> Curator of Exhibits and Education
> Instructor of Museum Studies
> Logan Museum of Anthropology
> Beloit College
>
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