acid free foamcore problems

[Julie Walsh]

Has anyone noticed differences in how well the acid-free Beinfang or artcare Bainbridge cuts? Bainbridge seems to cut fine while beinfang "balls" up when cutting.

I have slowed down cutting; used fresh blades but still have the problem; also, one edge balls up more than the other.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Verdaccio]

I buy Bainbridge, and I can confirm that it cuts just fine - no idea about the Beinfang.

 

[MIK]

I use nothing but "fang" board. Only time I have a problem is when the blade does not go through the entire price or the blade tip is dull. Just because a blade is "new" doesn't always mean that the tip is sharp.

 

[cjmst3k]

We have sporadic issues with Bainbridge Artcare foam, but not much at all.

 

[RoboFramer]

Do you use a wall mounted cutter or a Stanley type knife?

The only time I ever have your problems is when the blade needs changing.

 

[mayos]

We've always used Beinfang. No problems with cutting.

 

[Jerry Ervin]

The only time I ever have your problems is when the blade needs changing.

I think Robo nailed it. When the blade starts to dull, it drags through the foamboard instead of cutting.

 

[Bill Henry-]

I use whatever happens to be cheapest at the moment. My current batch is Bainbridge.

Occasionally I have found that this “balling” up has occurred using regular (not necessarily 100% cotton rag) foam board.

Me thinks that it has to do with an intermittent hiccough in the manufacturing process wherein air bubbles get into the foam.

It has happened when I use Bienfang, too. Changing the blade just makes these “balls” a bit smaller.

No big deal.

 

[Julie Walsh]

I use a wall mount cutter. Thanks for all the comments. I'm wondering if I just got a bad run. Anyway, I will continue to monitor.

 

[BILL WARD]

I usually hand cut & have found dullish blade at too steep an angle will invite balling...not matter whose board(some are more prone to it than others, it seems)

 

[DesignsInk]

I have used both of these foam center board brands for many years and frequently acid free foam is my creative board of choice for wrapped and embossed mats. When hand and machine bevel cutting foam center boards always insert a new blade after having strapped it both sides on a mat scrap to remove any metal chips from the blade edge.

Bainbridge has a history of cutting very cleanly, while Bienfang has always had a tendency to pull and ball up. It is simply the nature of the center core product perhaps being one with more memory, helping prevent denting. A new blade, extended far enough through the board through the opposite facing paper and not just grab the inner foam best prevently this. Also cutting the Bienfang boards with a very crisp and deliberately movemnet, not dragging slowly, also helps. And yes, it is the softer 100% Cotton Rag and acid free paper coatings that have more problem than their clay coated foam boards.

Chris A. Paschke, CPF GCF CMG

 

[Julie Walsh]

Thanks for the information, Chris....I knew it couldn't just be me! I'll give your suggestions a try.