Search the FAQ Archives

3 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M
N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
faqs.org - Internet FAQ Archives

Stagecraft Frequently Asked Questions
Section - 7. Cutting styrofoam or Polystyrene

( Single Page )
[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index | Counties ]


Top Document: Stagecraft Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 6. Masks?
Next Document: 8. Toffee glass / Candy glass bottles?
See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
For small parts where finish isn't critical a bread knife is pretty
good.

A hot-knife cutter is the easiest way to cut these foams, and gives a
good smooth finish. A typical hot knife is a length of wire stretched in
an insulating frame with a constant current passed through it. The hot
wire melts it's way through the foam.

There are some health issues with polystyrene: It gives off styrene
monomer which is listed as a weak animal carcinogen.

MSDS exposure levels are as follows:STYRENE
PEL (OSHA)     : 100 ppm, 8 Hr. TWA 200 ppm, Ceiling 600 ppm - 5 Min.
Max.
TLV(ACGIH)    : 50 ppm, 213 mg/m3, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin STEL 100 ppm, 426
mg/m3

Most foams probably give off fumes when heated, so always make sure you
have good ventilation.

Another good way is to use a electric carving knife. The same kind you
use on a turkey at Thanksgiving. This works best on foam rubber.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:




Top Document: Stagecraft Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 6. Masks?
Next Document: 8. Toffee glass / Candy glass bottles?

Single Page

[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]

Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
ratsfaq@blighty.com (Stagecraft FAQ admin (Steve Atkins))





Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:12 PM