When I sent a comment back to her, I mentioned that my husband has turned cracked or worn out rulers into usable templates for me. Lori asked how he did it.
Hubbie explained it to me as follows:
Supplies needed to turn unusable rulers into usable templates are --
1--acrylic ruler that is cracked, chipped, unused, lettering has worn off -- you get the picture
2--acrylic knife -- husband bought his at Menard's for $5 or less. I assume it could be found at hobby or craft stores or other home improvement stores, & it may have a different name. It opens like a pocket knife. In this first photo, it's partially opened, and the 2nd photo shows the very sharp point in position to mark acrylic
3--metal straight edge (he used a 12" metal ruler)
4--fine sandpaper.
Hubbie only made templates for me with straight sides. If you want curved, you're on your own.
He held the metal ruler in the position and "scored" the acrylic with the knife several times, running the knife along the edge of the metal ruler. The thicker the acrylic, of course, the more cuts you'll need. After several cuts into the acrylic, line up that cut on the edge of a hard surface (like a table edge) and POP the pieces apart.
He continues scoring and popping the acrylic until he has the piece he wants. The edges & corners can be sharp and rough. He gently smooths the edges and corners with sandpaper.
Here are six of the many usable templates and acrylic rulers he's made for me . If you would be bothered by the original markings and lines, this is not for you. (Or maybe you can figure out how to eliminate the original marks.) They don't bother me.
I'm gradually cutting scraps of fabric into two sizes of tumblers, (see top row) using the templates he made.
A recent request was for 2-1/2 inch, 3-1/2 inch, and 4-1/2 inch squares with a diagonal line drawn -- so I can square up HST quickly. After the square was made, he scored a diagonal line a couple times (not too deeply) and drew the line with a permanent marker down in that groove, so it won't wear away quickly.
As I told Lori, my husband is worth his weight in acrylic!
7 comments:
That is an excellent idea! I didn't know you could buy an acrylic knife. Then you must be able to purchase sheets of acrylic. Now to figure out how to cut curved shapes. Maybe you can buy acrylic blades for electric saws. That is so green. I love how you recycled.
That is absolutely fabulous! I never knew about a knife especially made to cut acrylic. I will definitely be on the lookout for that! Thank you so much for sharing.
A man of many talents, by the sound of it - how lucky are you, Vivian!
Hugs - Lurline♥
This is so great! I'm sure I could manage that, although my husband would do it if I asked him. Rulers are so expensive! So good to use them as long as possible...
What a fabulous idea. Thanks you for the instructions.
Love and hugs Gina xxxx
Very clever - I love it:) Now... what else can I cut up with this thing.....
This is a great idea and a good way to use something that otherwise would be thrown away.
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