http://www.woodcarvingguru.com/acto-blades/
How X-ACTO blade knives are being used?
Hey guys, pls help me. I wanna know what and where other stuffs and things can i use x-acto knives? And how it is being used? Do you know any links or videos or any web pages that teaches how to use x-acto knives? thanks:)
I buy all my blades on eBay, despite having a 25% discount at Michaels….I think I paid around $13 for 100 blades (#11), which is less than X-acto charges. They probably fell off the back of a truck someplace.
I use them for just about everything. I also do lost wax carving for casting jewelry, and the acute angle and flat blade are perfect. I use the Wood Hollow adapter and #11 blades in a woodburning pen, to cut foam, film, plastic, whatever…..quickly and cleanly. The heat seals the edge, so it doesn’t look ragged, and I do sculpting with foam core….couldn’t work without them.
When cutting a straight line, use a STEEL rule…not wood or aluminum, as that blade will cut through both. And you can bevel your cut by placing the blade at an angle under the straight edge and maintaining it throughout the cut. Use glass or ceramic plates, glasses and bowls for easy circles. You can also buy a compass with a device for inserting your knife.
Two passes with the knife with even light pressure are better than trying to cut foam, wood, whatever, with one massive effort. Always try to place the blade at the same angle.
I don’t know of any websites, but if you have a Michaels nearby, ask the Event Coordinator for help in mastering the blade. If she’s smart, she’ll teach you everything she knows.
Good luck….and if you want that finger, keep it outta there!