Ideas on Tools to Make a Stencil
 

I want to cut my own stencil but have discovered that olfa no longer makes a cutting knife. Have read that xacto has a knife with a double blade but unable to locate same at AC Moore's or online. Does anyone have a idea of what I could try?

for a while, you could buy the cutters here http://quiltingstencils.com/olfadoub...etailonly.aspx They had purchased the entire available stock. Now, however, they have a note on the page that the mfg discontinued making them and they are no longer available. I have heard that some folks use a woodburning iron to cut the plastic. i've never done that, though. The last couple of times, I just cut my template out of paper and it worked for the quilt I was doing at the time. I doubt that it would last for too long. But I usually customize my designs for each quilt, so that's not a problem.

I found a stencil burner at JoAnn for about $14 - if i remember correctly it was by the woodworking stuff. It has different tips of difference sizes. I've used it once and it takes a little practice, but worked well.

Here a bunch of examples from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=i...0Burner&page=1

I've tried it with the exacto knives, even have the one with the head that turns, supposedly for marking circles/wavy lines...hate it. I think the burner would be the way to go, although I've never tried it.

Whatever you do, dont buy the eletric stencil cutters!!! IMHO, takes too long and stencils are cheap to begin with (for the most part). I just HAD to have one, such a pain.

I use a pair of small craft scissors. I use a RADA knife sharpener when I have to.

I just saw a "stencil cutting pen" in the most recent "Connecting Threads" catalogue. It's on page 40 and only costs $14.39. It says it heats up and comes with 2 different tips. It seems that the cutters are still available.
Sue

I use my wood burner to make stencils. It works well and leaves the edges very smooth. The smell of burnt plastic does smell so I make them in the garage or out side of the house.

Hello. How thick is the plastic sheet you use? I bought a stencil burner/cutter and some plastic sheets. For me, it made a big mess. It wouldn't burn all the way through, and then it would melt the plastic in a blob instead of a smooth line. Do you think the plastic was too thick?

Try Harbor Freight if there is one in your area. I went there yesterday to get some rotary cutter blades and I was told they no longer carry them. I did see a lot of hand held cutting tools. May be one will suit your purchase.