Cutting rubber sheet.

[ajlelectronics]

I have ordered some coin effect 3mm rubber sheet which needs to be cut to fit. The outline will look like that of a sketched house, a rectangle with a triangular top. There are two circular cut outs required of around 40mm which will need cuts to the periphery in order to pass it around those obstructions. Actually thinking about it, it could just be holes as I can disconnect those connectors.

It needs to look neat, so what is recommended to do that please?

 

[RWD3M]

The straight lines - straight edge and a stanley knife.
The round bits - not so sure.

But then you probably guessed that already!

 

[hotponyshoes]

Bosch do a 12v cutter (I'm sure others are available) that whips through the stuff I use to line horseboxes etc.

But for the job you are doing I'd be using a Stanley knife and stright edge on a self-healing mat. Laser is handy for marking out.
Punch for clean holes.
If you don't have a punch one made from any suitable size pipe (even pvc) will be ok for just 2 holes. Or you can improvise by tapping a holesaw against the back of it then join-the-dots with the knife.

 

[Agroshield]

The round bits...

Same thing. Stanley blade constrained to revolve in a circle.

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I think rubber cuts better when wetted with water.

 

[Nomad]

I normally use a stanley knife with a fresh blade, and a metal straight edge.
<edit: as above>

Often get decent results by cutting into the rubber to give a line, then picking the sheet up and using the stanley to cut the rest of the thickness.

For a tidy 40mm circle, can you get a 40mm tube and put a knife edge on to use as a cutter? (I've never managed to cut tidy curves on tight corners)

 

[RWD3M]

Or you can improvise by tapping a holesaw against the back of it then join-the-dots with the knife.

That's a good idea, I like that

 

[hotponyshoes]

That's a good idea, I like that

If you ever need to holesaw through a really thick piece of metal,
Drill the guide hole, get a holesaw smaller than the hole you want, loosen the drill bit and locate it, put a socket over the drill bit and give it a tap.
That will give you a load of dots. Drill a couple of these through to the o/d of the hole you want then drill with the correct holesaw. The holes will clear the swarf and it will go through loads easier.

 

[magnet]

Olfa rotary knife for straight cuts. I use one for cutting catapult bands

 

[Anguz]

Tell me more about the bands.. pm if you like if not for on here?

 

[JEZGUZ]

Use water for lubricant, it make cutting a lot easier.

 

[MattF]

Pastry cutters are an option for the holes.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Watch out with the water if you want to glue the rubber to anything.
Some of the matting has a porous back (designed to be glued) that soaks water up rapidly and refuses to dry out.

Although you can use that to your advantage if you choose the right glue..

 

[magnet]

Tell me more about the bands.. pm if you like if not for on here?

I've used everything from theraband gold resistance bands to strips cut from industrial marigold gloves.
The last ones I made were from stuff called sniper sling they are by far the best it's a bit pricey mind but good stuff these are cut with an olfa rotary knife for better performance they are cut tapered small end to the pouch large to the fork. The first fork I've had over 20 yearsi used to reorganize the local rabbit population with it but it's just cans now. Very underrated the catapult but in the right hands. A formidable tool.

 

[Onoff]

I have ordered some coin effect 3mm rubber sheet which needs to be cut to fit. The outline will look like that of a sketched house, a rectangle with a triangular top. There are two circular cut outs required of around 40mm which will need cuts to the periphery in order to pass it around those obstructions. Actually thinking about it, it could just be holes as I can disconnect those connectors.

It needs to look neat, so what is recommended to do that please?

How big? Print in TPU?

 

[ajlelectronics]

How big? Print in TPU?

675 x 2050!

 

[jsf55]

I used the vice (vise) and a proper hole punch against a block off wood to do mine, position and squeeze it closed

 

[zzr1200]

50mm dia 1mm sheet disc with centre hole and use one of these.....possibly

Sheet Metal Hole Punch - Various Sizes

Experience effortless precision with our versatile range of sheet metal hole punches, designed to tackle any metalworking project. Say goodbye to the frustration of cutting clean, round holes through panels. Our hole cutters deliver neat, distortion-free holes in mild or stainless steel...

www.carbuilder.com

 

[Turbo]

Kitchen scissors or tin snips will cut 3mm rubber. That's all I use for trimming rubber car mats.

 

[arther dailey]

I've used everything from theraband gold resistance bands to strips cut from industrial marigold gloves.
The last ones I made were from stuff called sniper sling they are by far the best it's a bit pricey mind but good stuff these are cut with an olfa rotary knife for better performance they are cut tapered small end to the pouch large to the fork. The first fork I've had over 20 yearsi used to reorganize the local rabbit population with it but it's just cans now. Very underrated the catapult but in the right hands. A formidable tool.View attachment 511332View attachment 511333

look up cattyshack on you tube..

 

[marlinspike]

Often get decent results by cutting into the rubber to give a line, then picking the sheet up and using the stanley to cut the rest of the thickness.

I did this when cutting rubber mounting flaps to attach a car body kit. In effect you score the rubber deeply to get a very neat straight line, bend the score line to open it up then complete the cut through. Gave a neater result than trying to cut thick rubber in one cut.