tjub:
Im looking for tips and ideas when working with plastic card. How to get straight cuts, keep angles etc. Do you guys have any useful do and donts?:idea
Carcearion:
Hmmm… I have always drawn on my shapes and then used a very sharp set of hobby scissors. I like to cut things in excess initially and then sand down the piece to the correct size.
Bloodbeard:
I think Mr. Fuggit Khan is the man to ask…
bas_2312:
For details like wood grain I use this tool:
Plastic Scriber II
It’s awesome.
For normal cutting I use a normal hobby knife (and a ruler for the straight cuts).
tjub:
Great, thanks!
Jupp, I had a little chat with James as well since I dont know how often he checks CDO these days… 
Fuggit Khan:
I like to cut things in excess initially and then sand down the piece to the correct size.Absolutely yes! That's probably the best tip for custom plastic work.
Carcearion
Great, thanks!I'm still here :)
Jupp, I had a little chat with James as well since I dont know how often he checks CDO these days... :)
tjub
I don't post as much, but still lurking in the background as any true Hobgoblin does :h
More tips:
If building 3D war machines, etc, then it's helpful to cut out shapes in paper and tape the pieces together. Once you have the size approximated, then use the paper pieces as templates on-the-go plastic card. All the parts will fit together perfectly after that.
I use plastic model nippers to cut the plastic card, it cuts clean and won't bend the card. For really thick plastic card, use meat scissors, the type that cuts chicken.
Use metal needle files to shape the card. They're very precise for exact shapes. Finish up with nail file emery boards. Super cheap to buy them in a nail salon (hobby emery boards are overrated, don't waste your money on those, just buy nail salon ones).
Don't bother to try cutting circular shapes directly in plastic card. It'll warp the plastic and make uneven curves. Instead cut out an angle, and then use files to shape the actual curved edge.
Cuss alot. Plastic loves cussing. And remember who's the boss. Don't like the part you just cut out? Pineapple that plastic bit into the trash, like the worthless gnoblar it is.
Zorn Uzkul wasn't built in a day, so take your time.
:hat off
Grimstonefire:
A few bits of advice I’d give.
Get a super sharp knife, and replace/sharpen the blades often.
Repeatedly slice down to get through thick pieces (rather than using clippers and filing), my own preference.
I’d echo Fuggit on throwing away anything that it’s exactly how you want it, and doing test runs in card first. Saves so much time.
Also, if you need something of a certain thickness, don’t be cheap and stick two bits together thinking when you file it down it will all look perfect, invariably there will be a glue line or imperfections. Just buy it the right thickness and it will be fine.
Jackswift:
It sounds like there are a number of techniques in use here. All are good and result in different levels of detail. I prefer the score and snap method which works well on anything 1mm or less. Draw your lines or attach a template paper with double sided tape and then cut them with a knife with one or two passes. As already stated make sure you are using a sharp blade. Try to keep the angle of your blade edge straight up and down unless you want the edge of the cut to have an angle. The object is not to cut all the way through, but just to get a nice guide line carved. The thicker the card the more passes you should do. Then just take the card and snap it in two bending the two sides of the cut away from each other. The card will break along the cut. Sometimes you need to do a bit of cleanup with a file if the card is thick or the knife cut at an angle. Overall a much faster way than having to cut all the way through and a bit less wear on the knife blades. Complex cuts and curves must be done more carefully. For angles I start with one straight line and then score the other before attempting any break off. Where I can I just cut to the edge and remove as much as I can of the piece before starting on the next angle curve or corner. Ultimately you should try each technique and figure out what works best for you and what you are trying to accomplish. Cheers!
Willmark:
I�?Tll second of be score and snap method. Any time I�?Tve done it I�?Tve used that method. Just need to make sure your knife is sharpe; bad or old blades are a no no here… and in general.