How do people cut plastic?

L

Leo3an

Joined
Dec 21, 2017
Messages
183
hello,

Im not a knife maker. But I think this would be the right place to ask a question.

I am curious how people cut the plastic handle shapes out of plastic materials like Elforyn.

It seems I can buy small sheets of Elforyn and shape it to replace the existing handle material for a folding knife.

How does one cut a plastic sheet like Elforyn to exactly match the existing handle scale to replace it?

Is it possible with inexpensive home tools?

Thanks!
 
I don't know Elforyn . However one general thing is to go slow and keep it cool as if it is too hot it will tend to crack !
I would carefully trace the handle on to the plastic , cut that out , fasten [ even if temporary ] to the knife and carefully file and sand to size.
What type of plastic is that and what properties does it have. ?
 
I've never worked with Elforyn and the only "plastic" material ive used is Kirinite. My experience has also been that a jigsaw will melt the material but a coping saw is the right tool for the job. When I sand I start with about 60 grit then progress from there.
 
Leo3an said:
...
I am curious how people cut the plastic handle shapes out of plastic materials like Elforyn.
...How does one cut a plastic sheet like Elforyn to exactly match the existing handle scale to replace it?
Is it possible with inexpensive home tools?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I worked with Elforyn. General advice is work with it slowly, it won't like fast speed. You can cut it with bandsaw or jigsaw too, slowly again. To final shape use fine file and/or cork block with sandpaper. You can sand it to high polish by hand, I used #1000 grit sandpaper.
 
Thank you so kuch jesenius. I will follow your advice.

Again, much much appreciated for your reply
 
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