How to cut (X-acto) like an architect

[squkyshoes]

Thanks for the tip about mangling the inside of the foam core. I switched from my segmented blade to an x-acto knife because I thought it would be better at curves, but the inside of the boards turned out gross and I thought it was me. I'll go get a new blade for my x-acto knife in the morning.

[AtomicRSN]

You used the same metal ruler I use XD

[pencilneck22]

A little tip in the Xacto blade disposal. Taping them is nice and all but if your smoosh your garbage down and the blade is sitting just right you get stuck anyway. What I do is take a small box, the one I have here now is 2" x 2" x 6" (some makeup came in it) and cut a small slit in the top about 1/8" wide and maybe 1/2" long. When I'm done with a blade I just plunk it in the box through the slit. When full you can tape over the slit, secure the top and dispose of it in the garbage.

[cakeb0t]

One of my fav videos of yours.  Learned a lot! Thanks!

[MatchstalkMan]

Excellent tips for designers as well!

I love the elements you add to emphasise your points.

Epic!

[TheComedyUK]

What are they cutting mats made from? I use glass to cut on and it works very well, as I only cut paint masks using painters tape, the tape is very easy to remove from the glass then apply to the area to be masked, but I like the grid patter on the mat I imagine its easier to cut straight lines.

[kennethsantos1991]

what is the name of the blade use for details ? the small one what is it called? :)

[sajuahamedt]

i found your channel TODAY , and i instantly subscribed !!!

[berrybellcosplay]

this is so helpful!!! Thank you!

[WatchRyder]

Nice video, my dad had one of those cutting boards.

Good work.

[zT3HViDS]

1:41 That's what she said.

[jillybooty]

haha "but sometimes I don't..." he sounds so sinister.

[XSToSa]

Epic voice is epic!

[VelCro8112]

who would use Berry Sweet rulers in cutting?

haha, nice guide! I want to be an architect now...

[831678Anthony]

But will it blend?

That is the question.

[rugbyright]

what was the name of the foam boards again?

[Khamomil]

Ah thanks a lot for the very useful safety instructions. I see lots of videos where ppl get hurt doing all sorts of things and it's a relief to see someone explaining how NOT to get hurt for a change, without talking down to the audience like governments do.

[sidthekid2009]

Where did you get your X-acto knife? I got one from CVS but I hate it lol

[kakka626]

this helped me alot because my favorite thing is just build small things from paper and plastic :D

[boykhan22]

i got the scar too at my thumb cos it cut through it until my nail off it while doing a model...well..true, the blades are nasty!!!

[na2o2002]

thanks for making this entertaining AND helpful :)

[MaestroAlvis]

What does your daughter (I assume) say at the end?

[NoiselessCompany]

how is the material called the small houses at 0:15 are made of? and is it the same material you're cutting the whole video (this red and green things). I know it is thicker than the material the houses are mad of and I heard you saying something about foam but I'm from Germany and sometimes it's difficult to understand you

nice Video :)

[ervandsarkisyan]

@NoiselessCompany probably a thin foam board (hard to find and expensive). Could be thick card board, but not very likely.

[NoiselessCompany]

@ervandsarkisyan ok, thank you anyway :)

[welcometothefamily06]

@NoiselessCompany its prbly chipboard or museum/mat board

[ZenoxDemin]

Steel ruler warp...

[birdpoo01]

I always wonder one thing: What material does the cutting mat made from? I've never use one before. I just wonder how can someone use it over and over again without cutting it apart.

[birdpoo01]

I remember when I was creating a model of airplane a few years ago. The knife was so sharp, I accidentally sliced my ring finger. Although it was a small cut, but it was deep. I bleed a lot. I believe the volume of the blood was somewhere near a teaspoon.

[almallegra]

I have a horribly difficult time trying to cut evenly.  It just doesn't turn out for me. I'm not sure if I am holding the blade properly.

[poknay2]

amazing!

[JamesLimborg]

I liked your video, it taught me some things. But I came to learn how to cut different size small curves, corners, larger curves, etc. professionally with an x-acto knife. I am printing artwork on vinyl to be applied to my Steinberger electric guitar. There are lots of little curves around the pickups and body I want to get perfectly smooth (no jagged cuts).

[w1nzard]

i use a piece of wood ot cut i like more the sensation of wood :D its just preference

[TheClovenHeart]

@w1nzard

Someone told me that wood wears out blades quicker.

[kikoavdf87]

LOL always learning!!

[MrExCon]

where can u get a cutting board

[dalilayang]

you can buy it at wal mart, home depot, or somewhere that you can buy tools

[willman1661]

@MrExCon u could use anything for it really thats flat and hard, u could us a peice of plywood if u needed to

[0MrENigma0]

Excellent tips! Been wanting one of those cutting things... wow if yours has lasted 17 years the expense is worth it!

[forgetith8me]

wow :D i bet this is the best part when it comes to architecture...

[SkiGoddess07]

@forgetith8me

ugh, I hate making models. They were fun when i had enough time to do the detail i want, but now it seems like I have 1 day to get one done and they just never turn out as good as you want them too.

[boykhan22]

@forgetith8me True..my favourite part is model making!!!

[GicelmoPassos]

Thanks for the tips, help me a lot to improve my skills

[tikdesertai]

nice tips!

[luishomeroremohsiul]

you know my heart blackens with pain, anger, hatred, powerlessnes, rage and suffering whenever im doing scale models... but when i see the bastard finished and on time... its all worth it : )

[joehillion]

why does your daughter ask you if she can listen after you have finished talking? :P

[OldSchoolSkill]

Doug, Thanks again for the great tips!

In return, I have two tips you might want to try. Instead of using an exacto or similar blade, try a veneer saw. Hold the veneer saw against a straight-edge, but the straight-edge must be taller than a typical ruler. Advantages: Saw blade has bevel on only one side, so the cut side is perfectly perpendicular to the surface. Two, Larger tool and straight-edge are rigid, accurate and safer; safer because you can keep your hands well away from harm.

Good luck!

[Bladeplay48]

awesome, thanks for the info, it's great!

[duzerno]

those scars are pretty nasty