Trimming new rubber!

[TimeforT]

I posted before I thought in another thread all of this, but it's worth putting here!
:D I saw a way to trim UM stamps with a wood burning tool! Makes things way too easy....
I trimmed all my new um stamps, placed on EZ Mount foam sheets. Sprinkle the sticky places between the stamps with corn starch, shake off! Place the foam on a GLASS cutting mat. Hold the tool upright to prevent sliding under the rubber stamp. Slowly move around the images. Clean cuts and no aching hands.:clap:
The smell is a little bad, but keep a wet cloth at hand to wipe the tip often, cleaning it.
I'm hooked!
Now what do I do with my growing collection?:confusion:

[Daniel R.]

Great 'tip':p T! Here's one that goes with yours... When 'burning' rubber, be sure to run a fan to exhaust the fumes--they don't just smell bad; they're bad for you. The fan will handle it tho; so don't be afraid to try this.:applause:

And... If you're doing anything with fumes &/or small particles [EP, glitter], it's a good idea to wear a filter mask--they're cheap at most drugstores.;)

[TimeforT]

Thanks Daniel... must be why I had a headache last night! And I did it out on the porch! !

[TimeforT]

www.sundayint.com

this is the web site I found to support the use of the woodburning tool. Look on the left side of the page...click on hot knife tool. It shows pictures also. Hope this helps people. It made my life easier!

[Inky Whiskers]

That's the tip I used. Too bad it doesn't work for loop tape. :(

[TimeforT]

I'm sorry Jenna...Sounds like your new scissors are working great though! One stamp at a time and we are on our way to stamping heaven!
Teresa

[Spideycindy]

I went shopping this weekend and found the hot knife and a glass matt so I cannot tell you how excited I am to try this. I did not do so well cutting and was thinking ok Kai scissors here I come...I had fiskars ones and cut myself more times than I care to mention trying to come in close and straight. My thumb thanks you and I will start working this out asap!
Thanks so much for the tips...wet wash cloth, fans and all...I should be in good shape now!
Spideycindy

[Daniel R.]

I was raised on blades--knives & scissors--for much of my crafting history & still prefer them over many alternatives [including 'hot knives'].

That said, however, here's something I learned over the years about cutting. Always try to be looking down at what you're cutting--especially rubber stamps. It's much easier to make perpendicular edges when you are 'above' the piece you're cutting. And... regardless of the cutting tool? several shallow cuts/melts are more effective than trying to cut in one pass...

[Inky Whiskers]

That said, however, here's something I learned over the years about cutting. Always try to be looking down at what you're cutting--especially rubber stamps. It's much easier to make perpendicular edges when you are 'above' the piece you're cutting. And... regardless of the cutting tool? several shallow cuts/melts are more effective than trying to cut in one pass...

Good advice! The scissors I've been recommending have blades 1 1/2" long and even then, short length cuts work best. Many scissors will leave a tiny tear in paper when the blades are closed all the way & the blades can bend (and break!) when trying to close all the way when cutting rubber, so not closing them when cutting long sections will give you a smoother cut line. :D

[Spideycindy]

What I used and cut myself with were fiskars sort of like clippers and they cut like butter but not smooth and the angle was killing me. I did not feel I could get in very close and had to fight to keep the blade straight up and down. The blade was not long...certainly it was my lack of practice and experience. I plan to try the hot knife and see if it works better. If not, I will begin the search for a working relationship with a tool for me.
Spideycindy

[BlingGirl]

Great tip, I'm going to get one. What about the clear stamps has anyone tired using this on a sheet of clear stamps?

[Inky Whiskers]

Clear stamps usually come either already separate from the mold or pre-die cut, you just peel them off the index sheet & slap 'em on an acryllic block. On the rare occasion I've felt the need to trim a clear polymer stamp, my regular rubber cutting scissors worked just fine. :D