A question about making large custom-lettered stencils?
I am trying to make a somewhat large, custom stencil, with curved, 60's style lettering. I've already drawn the letters out and have them nearly perfect, but I am having a huge amount of trouble getting the x-acto knife to correctly follow the design. Currently I'm using a high-quality, thick, cardstock-like paper, a retractable x-acto knife (the pen one) and a self-healing mat underneath. The letters are about 2 inches tall and 1 inch wide, the blade is brand-new, and I more than take my time. Does anyone know how I can get the knife to follow a curve without slipping? Any tips on technique or knives? Thanks :]
maybe change the knife, you mention retractable, there are small flimsy cutters, (not this)
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/78641/2/istockphoto_78641_utility_knife.jpg
and large heavy duty knifes used for hardware purposes, and there are rounded pen shaped knifes designed for arts, (these)
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~mwampole/1-resources/simple-machines/utility-knife.jpg
http://www.shoplet.com/office/vlgimages/ZHUN0923.JPG
http://www.mypencil.com/mall/hunx5082.jpg
then you need to take your time, have good lighting, verify flat surface, no distractions, and possibly carve on side angle like for matting frames,, do a little a time if needed,
http://www.thanhsiang.org/kl/articles/s-other/g-decor/papercut/how2make/how2make.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/matting.shtml
or find a vinyl cutter type machine,
http://members.aol.com/aaasuper1/cutters.htm
http://www.beacongraphics.com/stika.html
..
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