Charlie Brooks
This week I analyzed the aspects of the light painting that I want to do and decided that the hardest part/biggest unknown would be how to cut/shape the acrylic sheets into distinct shapes to make the painting.
My initial thought was to use a small serrated handsaw to quickly and freely cut the sheets on the fly. The advantages to this would be that the saw is inexpensive ($6) and can be used wherever I am assembling my final work. I purchased this small saw from Home Depot:
I attempted to cut these colored acrylic samples that I received earlier in the week:
I began cutting one of the samples both along the edge and along the flat side. After cutting in each direction for almost 5 minutes, these were the results:
Both methods showed me that a saw wouldn’t cut the acrylic very precisely or quickly. The saw produced a lot of dust and left these white streaks on either side of the cut. I would need to investigate another means of cutting acrylic.
I did a google search and found this cheap ($8) tool for scoring acrylic sheet. This tool, coupled with a straight edge, created a scoring mark that can then be snapped along a table edge to create a precise, clean break. This method leaves no white strain marks and produces no dust. Also, the tool requires no power or special materials so it can be used anywhere.
If this scoring tool doesn’t work as intended (it is scheduled to arrive Thursday, 4/12) I know that I can use the laser cutter in Washburn to precisely cut my acrylic. This would be the most precise means and would allow for me to cut unique shapes and even put the holes for the fishing line all in one step. The downside to this is that I would need to cut all of the pieces at once and wouldn’t be able to make different shapes on-the-fly, which I think I will need to do to make a really nice light painting.