Back to Basics

[hephesteuse]

Hi,

Literally getting started and this is my first time doing any kind of DIY terrain.

1) I just want to know if when you guys are building terrain do you use some kind of foamboard cutter to get the rabbet cuts into foamboard. -
        If not how do you do this.
        If you do - What would you recomend for someone starting#
2) How do you mount the prints, i know from the instructions it says to use a spray mount -
         How long do you guys leave this stuff to dry when applying,
        Do you guys apply both sides at same time or do one and then leave to dry
        What is your preferred bran for doing this, and if you dont mind why ?

[RealtorCarl]

hephesteuse
Oct 31, 2015 at 5:19pm
Hi there hephesteuse

I know there are ways to make a rabbet cutter tool that basically holds the blade at an angle, and forces the depth (for example to 4.5mm). Personally I don't use anything like that. Just practice on some scrap to get a feel for the depth/pressure you need. The inner foam has very little resistance compared to the card, so I've found there's plenty of wiggle room. I cut cut thru from the top, and then, if needed, run a cut along the inside of the side, so the blade is 90 degrees from your first cut. I find that UN-neccessary usually too... Sometimes for the side/corner pieces, I make my cut thru the top, and then take a metal ruler and insert it into the cut to use that as a wedge. When I do that they pop off like pajama buttons.

For the spray mount, Sometimes for bigger projects I leave about 5-10 minutes to dry before cutting. Most commonly, I mount one side of everything all at once, so by the time I trimmed the paper for the last piece, the first mounted piece is well dry enough to cut the foamcore. I then go thru and mount the other sides. Again, about 10 minutes or so.

I have gone MUCH quicker than that, particularly when doing the modular tunnel type stuff (dungeons, lairs etc) because I do just a room at a time. The word of warning, as I think you expect given the question, there is certainly a minimum. If I spray too much glue, it takes longer. If I cut too soon (either impatience, or too much glue), the paper CAN slip and slide. Depending on how much glue, give a couple minutes to be safe. in the spare wait time, mound another piece like i suggested above.

For glue I prefer 3M. just be careful as their "photomount" is NOT the same thing. That latter product is mount to be re-positionable, and as such as much less grip from my experience.