Using Your Strip Cutter

A strip cutter is an essential tool for the miniaturists' toolbox.  It is  indispensable for making repeated width cuts for projects that require several pieces the same width and thickness.  It is easy to use and simple to adjust.

 

There are some steps you should take when using a strip cutter for example:

When you use the strip cutter it is very important that the side you are cutting from is square -- If it isn't your cut will not be accurate. 

Don't cut too deeply, as this can cause the blade to wander and vary the width of the cut.  Adjust the blade a little deeper on each stroke.

Always cut with the grain of the wood.

Always cut the full length of the wood - DON'T stop half way down the length of the wood and remove only the length you need for the single part - this leaves the wood unusable for the strip cutter later.

Make sure the surface you're cutting on is protected or has a cutting mat under the wood.

Always use sharp blades.

If you're cutting thicker or harder wood use heavier blades i.e. #24 X-Acto blades - not the #11 that comes with the strip cutter.  This will help prevent the blade from bending and wandering.

To prevent splintering, cut partially from one side of the wood - flip over and cut the rest of the way from the other side.  This way your cut will be more square.

If you run into a snag - or the blade quits moving easily -- DON'T FORCE -- as this could lead to the blade jumping off the work and onto your fingers -- Like carving it is best to push the strip cutter away from yourself, keeping your hands behind the blade, as opposed to pulling the cutter toward yourself.

Most miniature supply houses offer strip cutters for sale - they are usually less than $10 US and are worth every penny.

If you want to try and make a strip cutter, there is a tutorial written by By David R. Larsen and offered by the Mid-Missouri Radio Control Association.