Utility knives cut foam board when a foam board cutter is unavailable.
Clean, professional cuts of foam board require a tool with the ability to slice through the board without tearing the surface along the edges of the cut. Foam cutters vary in their designs but the same techniques provide an even cut across a piece of foam board. Using a foam cutter correctly helps keep you safe from injury while providing clean cuts for models and other projects built from foam board.
Instructions
1. Set a cutting mat on a hard, flat surface.
2. Place a piece of foam board on top of the cutting mat. Align one corner of the board with the zero length and width marks of the cutting board.
3. Turn the thumbscrew located on the side of a foam board cutter one full turn counterclockwise. Slide the cutting blade to its full down position. Tighten the thumbscrew by turning it clockwise one full turn.
4. Set a straightedge on top of the foam board. Align the straightedge with the cut locations marked on the foam board.
5. Align the end of the cutting blade with one edge of the straightedge. Apply downward pressure on the handle of the cutter as you drag it along the surface of the foam board, following the straightedge.
6. Loosen the thumbscrew once you finish making your cuts. Slide the blade of the foam board cutter back into the cutter. Lock the blade in position by turning the thumbscrew clockwise.
