thin planks

[kannon]

I am new to this art.I am having trouble cutting very thin planks.My model Latina "Bounty"is full of very thin planks when I try to cut them the ends shred .I tried coating the ends with glue before cutting but no luck.I even tried doubling and gluing two planks together but that doesn't work.Do I throw them away and order thicker planks which are no problem?

 

[GaryM]

If the planks are thin, I use an exacto and apply enough pressure to force the blade through the wood. No cutting action. Cutting action can cause the wood to tear unless the blade is very sharp and cuts with very, very little pressure.

 

[kannon]

Thank you Gary.
I follow your advice and builds to learn.You provide a great deal of education and inspiration to those of us who are trying to be model builders.I am sure there are many out there who thank you for your selflessness.

 

[kannon]

Thank you.I had some single edged razor blades and that is a big improvement.Cutting down on a backer board works like a guillotine.

 

[pebbleworm]

If you are cutting a LOT of thin planks, a tool like the Northwest Short Line "Chopper III" can make it a lot easier-
http://shop.osorail.com/product.sc?productId=286&categoryId=-1
I am very happy with mine!

 

[GaryM]

I use mine for very thin planks only when I have a lot that are the same (deck planking) or to get the angle cuts for 45, 30 and 60 degrees.