[Tag]

I posted this yesterday (or so I thought I had) I tried to order 1632 tubing from SimpleShot, and they told me it would be 3 weeks. I let my impatient side get me so I posted " Where do you buy tubing" Well after thinking about it I got my Taurus OTT mini out and shot it with bands. I'm a loyal buyer, so I support PocketPredator and SimpleShot as much as I can. I contacted Arron at SimpleShot and asked him what flat material would be close to 1632 tubes. He was more than helpful, so I ordered some material.

My question is what equipment do you recommend to cut bands.
1. Measuring device or scale
2. Cutting mat
3. Roller cutter
4. Any other helpful suggestions

Thank You

 

[Grandpa Grumpy]

Tom, I use a mat and rotary cutter from Wal-Mart. They came in the same package for about $16.00 a few years back. They work well for me.

 

[Tag]

Thank you.

 

[Konrad]

Self sharpening Paper Guillotine, same as Bill Hayes and Flatband. Not many errors using that one, I got nicks and the band get's distorted when you squeeze it down with the rotary cutter.

This link is at the time he uses it.

From the beginning.

Also I use a steel ruler and a magnifying headband, that helps a lot get it really accurate.



Sorry I forgot, I also make a paper template with my band width marked at the active lengths and put my pouch right on the line.

Paper template

• Konrad
• Sep 24, 2020
• 1

Paper template: 45x16mm. 10mm flip clip tie in, 15mm Pouch tie in. 162mm long x 5 = 700mm draw...

Salutations. Konrad

 

[KawKan]

I think I use the same rotary cutter and mat (18" x 5") that Grampa Grumpy uses. Plus an acrylic 18" quilting ruler. The length helps with butterfly bands. For regular length bands, I think the acrylic templates with multiple guidelines are a good bet. I've watched a couple of shooters use them at tournaments. They are fast and close to foolproof.

For bands .50mm to .65mm I've had pretty good luck stacking the latex and cutting a pair at a time. I've decided to cut single layers for .7mm and thicker to avoid distortions.

 

[craigbutnotreally]

I wish those acrylic templates were available in longer lengths. But no one makes them for 16" bands. But the quilters ruler isn't that much more of a hassle.

Think I bought my roller, quilters ruler, and cutting mat all on Amazon. I don't have a hobby store near. I'd probably look there if you do. As far as brand all three of mine are from Olfa. No complaints at all. One thing I will point out though. If you use black bands probably don't get a black mat. I made that mistake.

 

[Northerner]

Cutting mat and roller cutter from WalMart. I also use a template for a couple of bandcuts. Otherwise I just use a ruler.

 

[Reed Lukens]

Having an artist for a wife, I have an assortment of wheel cutters, cutting mats and a couple different guillotines at my disposal. I started out with the wheel cutter on a glass mat with the 18" or 30" ruler built in, then I also used the cutting mat. After all is said and done, she has a great guillotine cutter that I prefer when I'm in the shop but I still carry a large wheel cutter and mat with me in my slingshot tool box.

You just can't beat the ease and speed of a good guillotine.

 

[ghost0311/8541]

Rotary cutter and cut mat and a clear straight edge.

 

[Ibojoe]

I just got the whole kit from Walmart. It’s always been fine.

 

[flipgun]

Walmart kit to start with and I am on my third mat and ? roller cutter.

 

[Tag]

Thanks to everyone, I’m probably making a bigger deal out of this than need be.

 

[SJAaz]

Rotary cutter, mat, and a triangle shaped ruler. I find it easy to use than a flat one.

 

[Tag]

Thanks SJAaz

 

[craigbutnotreally]

I didn’t think to look in Walmart. Should have before buying online.

 

[Grandpa Grumpy]

I didn't think to look in Walmart. Should have before buying online.

Yep! Look in the sewing/hobby section. They have different cutters and mat sizes.

 

[StringSlap]

All from WalMart... Cutting mat, 45mm roller cutter (Fiskars), 18"x 6" acrylic quilters ruler, various steel/plastic rulers and an assortment of scissors (I have a thing for scissors!). Inexpensive pair of hand forged scissors from Harbor Freight are great. Old fashioned Bic ballpoint pen works great for marking bands. Silver metallic Sharpie for marking black bands. Don't overthink this. If anyone can prove that perfect die cut bands are inherently more accurate than fractionally different ones, I'd love to see the proof. Only exception being that the bands are not nicked or damaged along the edge, which would cause early failure.

 

[Rayshot]

Since rotary cutters and self healing mats appear to be used by the majority of DIY band makers I am highlighting what I feel is the best band making jig.

I purchased this full clear one from Noah Ray when he began to sell and cannot find it for sale anymore. It is way better than the one with black that I bought, that I had to modified the edge to a lower profile for the 45 mm rotary and still didn't like it.

I applied black stain to the laser cut markings and wiped the excess so I can more easily see the increments. The blue ruler is for size comparison.

 

[High Desert Flipper]

I use a simple mat and rotary cutter from craft section of dept store like Walmart or Target of a fabric store. A set can usually be found for under $20. I can do pretty well with a pen and ruler to measure and cut. The acrylic templates are nice and precise but a fairly costly and you are stuck with the bands they are made for. I have a couple for sharpened tapers and really like them, but again you spend a few dollars and are locked into whatever taper they are made for.

For straight tapers I have really gotten to like the adjustable ruler in the video below. Set it to the taper you want and cut away- makes very consistent bands. Better than I can do with pen and ruler. More expensive than a pen and ruler, but does a great job and is adjustable to whatever straight taper one wants to make. Unfortunately, I don't think they make a 16" version for people who do big butterfly.

So after a cutter and mat you can stay as simple or get as precise as you want. For a few $ a pen and ruler do fantastic, especially if you are careful. After that templates or an adjustable ruler will cost a bit but will increase precision and reproducibility. For me, I am making enough bands that I have appreciated buying a couple of acrylic templates and the adjustable ruler. I love the precision of each and after a couple dozen bands the cost of the ruler and templates isn't so hard to swallow.

 

[stevekt]

12 inch cutting mat, 45mm rotary cutter, and metal ruler. I recently picked up a larger 18 inch mat, 60mm rotary cutter, a acrylic templates, and an adjustable ruler but I haven't really had a chance to put them to use.