koneko
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 7
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Post by koneko on Jan 8, 2014 14:29:59 GMT
I was always that kid in class who, when trying to cut a straight line, somehow ended up with a JLO booty curve instead.
And that was on paper. I haven't improved.
As my current project (Bunker/bomb shelter for a nWoD game) has already caused me many different problems, I'd like to find a relatively cheap/free way to cut all these little tiny inner walls (I don't want to go wider than 1/4" to keep SOME semblance of scale)
Is there a trick to cutting cardboard that I'm not familiar with? Is there something easier to use that will still be recognizable as walls?
I also have two different types of doors to represent- normal indoor doors and big thick metal blast doors. I have no idea how to represent these in a 2d way. I thought about making the blast doors (Four in total) 3D, but not sure how I'd get them to stay up in the foamcore base I'm using.
I think the headache of switching between 1 in = 5 feet to 1 in = 1 yard has my brains all fried
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Post by miltonmurphy on Jan 8, 2014 14:46:38 GMT
I was always that kid in class who, when trying to cut a straight line, somehow ended up with a JLO booty curve instead. And that was on paper. I haven't improved. As my current project (Bunker/bomb shelter for a nWoD game) has already caused me many different problems, I'd like to find a relatively cheap/free way to cut all these little tiny inner walls (I don't want to go wider than 1/4" to keep SOME semblance of scale) Is there a trick to cutting cardboard that I'm not familiar with? Is there something easier to use that will still be recognizable as walls? I also have two different types of doors to represent- normal indoor doors and big thick metal blast doors. I have no idea how to represent these in a 2d way. I thought about making the blast doors (Four in total) 3D, but not sure how I'd get them to stay up in the foamcore base I'm using. I think the headache of switching between 1 in = 5 feet to 1 in = 1 yard has my brains all fried Hi Koneko! I recommend getting a metal ruler or a wooden ruler that has a metal strip along the edge to use as a guide.. When making the cut, instead of making one big deep cut, make a *very* light cut to score the top paper then make several more cuts along the scoring with more pressure each time. As the saying goes, measure twice cut once. Before you make the cut, take a pencil and mark out where you'll be cutting (using the rulers.) Then measure it again and go back over the mark with a darker pen. Then make your cut. It also helps to draw out your floor plan before you start so you have a good picture of all the walls, doors, and fiddly bits that will make up your piece. Not sure I understand about scale. As for the doors, there is a DMScotty vid about doors that you might find useful. Finally, remember it's just cardboard and that cardboard if infinitely available. Give it a go and post pictures if you'd like feedback. Cheers, MM
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Post by thorswulf on Jan 8, 2014 15:06:25 GMT
I'll second the metal ruler. They are a must of you use X-acto or box knives to cut cardboard. Wooden rulers tend to have soft metal for edges, which are great for pencils or pens, but a razor blade will cut into them. Secondly take several passes over the cardboard. It's easier on you and the chance of slipping is reduced. Watch your fingers, those blades are very sharp!
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Post by DMScotty on Jan 8, 2014 15:15:29 GMT
Great advice, also it is your game and you can make it whatever scale you want. If it is easier to think of scale in 1"=5' change the rules and go with it. No RPGs rules are sacrosanct.
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Post by DMScotty on Jan 8, 2014 15:18:12 GMT
You could also use something like this to get started and then finish the cut yourself. Cutter
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Post by miltonmurphy on Jan 8, 2014 15:53:12 GMT
I'll second the metal ruler. They are a must of you use X-acto or box knives to cut cardboard. Wooden rulers tend to have soft metal for edges, which are great for pencils or pens, but a razor blade will cut into them. Secondly take several passes over the cardboard. It's easier on you and the chance of slipping is reduced. Watch your fingers, those blades are very sharp! Thanks thorswulf! I didn't know that about the wood+metal rulers. I rarely use it since I invested in a 12 inch and 36 inch all metal rulers. I have had the metal strip come off the wood which is annoying. All metal rulers are more expensive, but highly recommended because they are worth it. Also great point about using an X-acto or box knife. I'll also add that then your blade gets dull, don't hesitate to change it. I used to use blades way past their edge had been dulled and it causes more problems than its worth (and it makes it more dangerous because you have to use more pressure so one slip can cause a bigger problem! Safety first always.) Cheers, MM
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Post by sgtslag on Jan 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
DMScotty, your link goes to an HP Multi-Function Laser Printer... I think you got the wrong address in your link.
Razor knives, with snap-off blades seem to be the best to use: when the blade dulls (cuts poorly), just snap off the dull portion with a small pliers, and keep cutting. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to keep sharp -- until the blade reaches its end. Cheers!
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valas
Room Planner
I'm being twisted, on the sideway down.
Posts: 459
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Post by valas on Jan 8, 2014 16:53:11 GMT
The link works for me. Takes you to scrap book cutter.
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Post by onethatwas on Jan 8, 2014 17:46:40 GMT
I'll toss my support in for metal rulers as well. I find it impossible to keep a straight line as well (Asthma medication has the side effect of constant shakiness ), so I always have to use a ruler for any straight drawing or cutting. As for scale, a yard is only 2 feet shorter than the D&D standard (3 ft vs 5 ft), so the distances at miniature scale are nearly insignificant. Just pick whichever works better for you and go with it. As DM scotty says, if you're DM, you set the rules. If you're a stickler for the measurement though, and you're going gridless, then a good substitute is to flip all measurements into metric. Each metric unit (centimeter) is equal to one foot. This, each set of 3 centimeters=3ft, and 5 centimeters=5ft. Easy measure conversion, which also saves a headache on trying to do fractional math for room sizes. Example: You want a room 20ft by 20 feet. Measure your room at 22 centimeters to a side, which gives your room space for 1 centimeter thick wall strips on each side (1 centimeter is a little over 1/4 inch, but its an easy measurement). Then, make movrment sticks that display each "unit" of movement speed at the appropriate mark. In this case, measure marks every 3 centimeters on your stick, and that becomes the baseline measurement for movement speed (1 yard of movement). I really wish America would join the rest of the world in metric measurement. Ours is a bit silly and arbitrary, and causes headachez all over the map...
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koneko
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 7
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Post by koneko on Jan 8, 2014 22:45:23 GMT
I'm frustratingly angry at myself for not thinking to convert to metric. As always, there's usually a simple problem that would have saved me plenty of time.
I actually was switching between a plastic ruler and a normal metal-edge wood one and scoring. I also tried scoring with a rotary cutter. I can't seem to hold the rulers in place, I think I'm doing fine then I realize one side is way thinner than the other. I'm also cutting on a grippy cutting board so the cardboard shouldn't be slipping. I think my inability to cut a straight line is almost impressive at this point.
I also have a heck of a time with the paper of the cardboard peeling away as I'm cutting. I may need to change my box cutter blade (Or rather, have The Man do it, as breaking that piece off scares the bejesus out of me every time) or maybe I'm using crap cardboard.
I've considered trying to find some thin balsa wood to use for the walls, it SEEMS like it used to be really cheap, I haven't priced it at the hobby stores lately, and my walmart doesn't carry anything but balsa dowels.
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Post by miltonmurphy on Jan 8, 2014 23:12:04 GMT
I'm frustratingly angry at myself for not thinking to convert to metric. As always, there's usually a simple problem that would have saved me plenty of time. I actually was switching between a plastic ruler and a normal metal-edge wood one and scoring. I also tried scoring with a rotary cutter. I can't seem to hold the rulers in place, I think I'm doing fine then I realize one side is way thinner than the other. I'm also cutting on a grippy cutting board so the cardboard shouldn't be slipping. I think my inability to cut a straight line is almost impressive at this point. I also have a heck of a time with the paper of the cardboard peeling away as I'm cutting. I may need to change my box cutter blade (Or rather, have The Man do it, as breaking that piece off scares the bejesus out of me every time) or maybe I'm using crap cardboard. I've considered trying to find some thin balsa wood to use for the walls, it SEEMS like it used to be really cheap, I haven't priced it at the hobby stores lately, and my walmart doesn't carry anything but balsa dowels. Are you marking the cut with a pen first? When I was starting out I would always mark it with a pen then just before I score it the first time I look at both ends of my ruler to make sure it's still flush with the line. Looking forward to seeing your first piece! Cheers, MM
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javenspell
Paint Manipulator
Is this your Character sheet Larry?
Posts: 166
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Post by javenspell on Jan 9, 2014 1:45:12 GMT
LOL I get the laser printer too...I laughed real hard when I saw it cause DM Scotty is always trying to find the cheap way to do things. Wonder why the link works different for some people than others
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Post by kokigami on Jan 9, 2014 2:56:52 GMT
i am guessing your ruler is pivoting when you cut? no?
I am going to suggest something I haven't tried, but which should work. Get some of that drawer liner rubbery stuff, and put it under the ruler. Consider gluing it to the ruler. It will add friction so the ruler won't tend to slide... just a thought..oh, and all the things above..
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koneko
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 7
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Post by koneko on Jan 9, 2014 8:00:33 GMT
Yes, the ruler is moving about. (Mew the Cat from Hades also has become entranced with pencils and rulers and is NOT helping the process) I do have some non-sticky drawer liner I may try, but I may try a few dots of hot glue or some such first.
I do pencil marks first, then thin tip sharpie. When I do manage to cut a piece semi-straight (I'd be willing to work with "straightish" at this point) I come across an issue wherein even my brand new blade is ripping up the edges of the cardboard. If I had some I'd try some thinner cardboard, but at this point I'm wondering if cardstock (I have a metric ton of index cards and a couple saved up cardstock boxes) would show up enough to be useful, or even craft foam sheets like you find at walmart.
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Post by thedmg on Jan 9, 2014 12:38:07 GMT
Metric is bliss. Millimeters millimeters millimeters. Come on 'Mericans join the party!
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Post by onethatwas on Jan 9, 2014 19:05:49 GMT
Metric is bliss. Millimeters millimeters millimeters. Come on 'Mericans join the party! I still use inches and feet out of habit (because I'm American obviously), but I won't hesitate to switch to metric if it works better for me. Knowing the basis of the U.S. Measurement system and how truly wonky it is really makes me wonder why we still use it, other than to be 'unique'. Seems silly since the metric system is more efficient. Of course I also ask why we don't convert to a more efficient marker for time. Yeah having 24 hours to each day seems convenient, but if we have to add a whole extra day every 4 years because we're off in our calculation, it just strikes me as odd that we haven't thought of a better way...
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Post by thedmg on Jan 10, 2014 4:39:35 GMT
Why not 12 months of 30 days and a final holiday of 5.25 or 6 days every year?
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Post by kokigami on Jan 10, 2014 5:10:24 GMT
Yes, the ruler is moving about. (Mew the Cat from Hades also has become entranced with pencils and rulers and is NOT helping the process) I do have some non-sticky drawer liner I may try, but I may try a few dots of hot glue or some such first. I do pencil marks first, then thin tip sharpie. When I do manage to cut a piece semi-straight (I'd be willing to work with "straightish" at this point) I come across an issue wherein even my brand new blade is ripping up the edges of the cardboard. If I had some I'd try some thinner cardboard, but at this point I'm wondering if cardstock (I have a metric ton of index cards and a couple saved up cardstock boxes) would show up enough to be useful, or even craft foam sheets like you find at walmart. debate team, maybe? or dead characters?
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Post by DMScotty on Jan 10, 2014 6:03:26 GMT
Weird about my link giving the printer. It is a scrapbook cutter on my net.
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koneko
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 7
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Post by koneko on Jan 10, 2014 6:34:54 GMT
I write myself notes on index cards for EVERYTHING. Sticky notes have a way of unsticking, or if you need to take them somewhere, being sticky in your purse. I have a terrible memory, so I need to write everything down.
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