Plaster of Paris Walling - how to cut it

[berryr99]

All,

Blaenau North is now wired, ballasted and operating well. I am now starting on the scenery.

At the rear will be a plaster of paris stone effect wall (Bragdon enterprises - thanks Tom).

However I need to trim the wall down to about 3" high and if I use the full depth of the mould I can get 2 lengths of this height out of it.

I just wondered if anyone knows how to cut plaster of paris - I was going to use a small saw but it occurs to me there might be a better way - slitting disc/cheesewire ?

Any suggested would be much appreciated

Thanks

Bob Berry

[invercloy]

Glad you've taken the plunge with the moulds, Bob.

Before getting to the cutting stage I blanked out part of the mould to avoid wasting plaster using cling film covered foamboard.

I then cut the resultant castings with a junior hacksaw.

[berryr99]

Tom,

Its good stuff and I'm happy with the moulds and the process - rehearsed it a few times including the colouring process.

Yes I could do that but I like the idea of getting 2 separate 3" walls out of one pour.

Just experimented with a hacksaw blade and seems to work quite well.

Bob

[Retiarius]

How about making a thin plastikard divider that you can press into the wet plaster before it sets?  You could grease it with vaseline or silicone spray so it does not stick.

[berryr99]

Yes, on reflection it is going to be easier to put a divider in than trying to cut the walling once it has dried.

I am going to try this option first

Bob B.

[Frank]

Rather than greasing the plasticard you could wrap it on both sides with cling film - works for jellies!

Frank

[Retiarius]

Rather than greasing the plasticard you could wrap it on both sides with cling film - works for jellies!

Frank

Or use a strip of thin PTFE rather than Plastikard, though it may just be OK to use 'naked' Plastikard, a simple enough idea to test I would have thought.