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Cutting thin wax slices
Is there a good (and quick) way of cutting thin (roughly 2mm) wax slices from a block for carving?
It takes me an age to saw through the block of wax, then my slice is so wonky I have to spend another age filing it all down so it's a flat slice.
I'll be using these quite a lot for some upcoming projects so was wondering whether it's worth investing in one of these: http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...rcode-999-3339 which looks like it could be used as a mini bandsaw, or is there something smaller/cheaper out there that might work?
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Japanese pull saw? Something like a dozuki?
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A scroll saw might help, but there is always an irritating delay when the blade breaks and has to be replaced
Actually I have found that saw blades intended for wood are pretty good for wax and also acrylic, Lauren:
http://www.originalmarquetry.co.uk/p...tails_1300.htm
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2 Attachment(s)
Attachment 10383
I cut wax slices regularly for my mill, I use a saw similar to the one in the picture a cheap B&Q version has served me well. But the easiest way is to get a square silicon cake mould, melt the wax slowly in a small pan (electric is safer I use a Argos hot plate)
Attachment 10384
then pour it into the cake mould to the required thickness then leave it to set works great
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I suppose it depends what you are making but I find it best for me to carve the wax as it is then file the back to the required thickness afterwards.
That way Im less likely to accidentally break off a chunk as I carve.
I do buy mine in various thickness slices though
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Depends how large your 2mm slices are as to whether this will work but how about a cheese wire or a heated blade on a kitchen knife depending on the softness of the wax. (or heat the cheese wire)
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Just tried it - yes, a dozuki saw works very well for taking thin slices off a block of wax. Quick, accurate and doesn't require much cleanup.
If you really need a scrollsaw, then I'd advise saving for a Hegner (or the Axminster clones in a pinch). I'm not much of a fan of Dremel's tools beyond the motor.
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Thanks so much for the replies everyone. Apologies for the delay in posting, had a ridiculous week at work!
Les, those wax sheets look great for thinner pieces, but not thick enough for my current project.
I think I'm going to try the melting/silicon mould method and the dozuki saw and see which is quicker. Peter, what size dozuki do you think would be best? There appears to be a bewildering array of them available!
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Just coming back to this to say I ended up getting one of these http://www.ottofrei.com/Zona-35-550-Fine-Razor-Saw which I think is similar to the dozuki saw and it's much easier to cut slices and bits of ring tube with this than a regular saw frame and wax blades. My slices are now straight, hurrah!