cutting photo sculptures

[origirover]

Hi.
I have come across 3d photo sculptures and am wondering how to cut 1/4'' acrylic and what kind of blade would be needed in order to attain a clean crisp cut on both the applied photograph and the acrylic itself,thanks for your help,dave.

[jttheclockman]

Here is a little trick for you to try. Take a #7 blade any type and turn it backwards so that you are cutting with the backside of the blade. Try it on some scrap.

[Old Mooner]

Dave--not sure I understand the 3d part, but I use a #5 Crown Tooth blade or a #3 Reverse Tooth to cut acrylic (ref the dragons in my album). I have also used a #2 spiral with good results, but I'm not sure about the "3d" thing. Go to the Sloan's Woodshop site, www.sloanswoodshop.com, and see what they say about cutting acrylic. Mike also has some good advice at Mike's Workshop.
Moon

[origirover]

3d photo sculpture

HI.
Thanks for the tip, i will try it but will it cut the acrylic..!
Dave.

[jttheclockman]

You won't believe me until you give it a try. Can't hurt on a piece of scrap. If all else fails you can use a PG or the FD version is a Polar blade. You can also use a #7 skip tooth blade but they dull faster. People like to put duct tape on top before they put the print down. This helps with the melting back together. I do not find it necessary but you can give it a try.

[origirover]

hi.
Thanks for the advice,you see i am cutting out photographs that have been applied to acrylic so i can't put any tape on the piece (it will destroy the photograph),i cut the background out to make a ''3d sculpture '' as they are generaly called,the worry is that i can't have any heating up of the crylic or the photograph will be destroyed,not can i have the photograph fraying on me,this is one for the professionals !!
thanks gents.
david.

[jttheclockman]

Give the backwards blade a try. But try on some scrap so you see what kind of presure you have to put on it.