Really cheap...cutting assistance..
 

Okay, several people have posted that they have had gone to the local Lowe's and had plastic rulers (squares, rectangles, etc.) cut for them. Did it today. I wanted a plastic 5"square (exactly) couldn't find one anywhere here in town so went to the window area and they had a 8 x 10 in two grades of plastic. The one (which would have worked) was 1.98, the next higher grade was 3.98. I went with that one. They did not charge me for cutting it and it and I got a perfect 5x5 square. So I had him cut a 4 x 4 and then had a 3 x 5 and 4 x 5 with a 1 x 4 left over. All for $3.98 - better than a coupon. If you needed an 8 x 10 - no cutting necessary and you can go to the next up at a 10 x 12 to get a 10 inch square with a 2 x 10 left over for 5.98. Just trying to keep us all saving a tad bit of money here and there. They can also cut 5 1/2" squares or 4 1/4 or 6 1/2 for not a lot of money.

Now, measure them at home with a tape measure and make sure they are accurate! Reason..saw blades can move, and depending on where he cut, it could be off by a 1/8th or more!

Not all Lowes will cut plastic, ask me how I know?:rolleyes:

Thanks, I'll have to do that.

I never even thought about Lowes! I go to the window glass shop in my town and it is always cheaper than buying a ruler. You don't get the measuring lines but most of the time, the cut I am getting is for a specific project and don't need them. I check the measurements at the store before I leave and have never had an issue with it being off.

Thanks about checking the measurements when I got home and yes, I did measure them before I posted the message. Measure twice, cut once ;-) I did make it very clear that they had to measure exactly as I stated to the gentleman and he took his time and did it correctly.

What a great idea!! I will be going to Lowe's next week. Does anyone know if Home Depot will also do this?

cool:thumbup:

So clever. I would never of thought of doing this. So very glad you shared this wonderful cost savings tip.
Evelyn

A friend of mine back home in VA went to the little hometown hardware and had some cut for (12x12) for
a project we were working on. It might be something to check on if you live in an area with little hometown stores. Teresa

I had a bunch of sqs cut at my local hardware store, from 3" to 20" and it only cost me for the sheet. Pretty darn cheap and all cut to spec.

We are almost 2 hours from the nearest Lowe's so I just go to our local glass shop. They are very reasonable and I have only had one that was just a slight off but still usable. Not bad since they have done about every size I can think of for me .

I probably wouldn't try to mark one of these off like a commercial ruler, but if you have a plain plastic one that was cut for you, just lightly score one side for the markings you want - it is easy to do on plastic, just put a straight edge down and run your box cutter down several times - lightly - to make an indentation. Then you can take a permanent marker - fine point - and run it down the scoring. Make sure to give it plenty of time to dry and then you will have a marked ruler. Use a scrap piece to practice first.

And Home Depot would probably cut these for you as well as Lowe's.

I've also had odd shaped templates cut .... the first was an apple core!
(and yes, I explain the importance of precision, and it's no problem)

I've always gone to a local glass shop. The price has been minimal!

The Lowes here will cut squares or rectangles for me. Only some of the Home Depots will. Neither one will cut odd shapes. My brother cuts them for me on his band saw. Saves a lot of money. There is a template I wanted that was $35 my brother cut it out of a $3.98 piece of plexiglass. It is a template that would only be good for one particular quilt. I haven't tried the local glass shop for odd shapes.

Great news - thank you!

Great idea! Have both a Lowe's and Home Depot near me and will remember this tip. Also, if you need to mark off the 1/4" from the edge, have you tried using the removable 1/4" tape? Some folks use this to mark the 1/4" on their sewing machine plates so they can see it easily. Maybe worth a try? Thanks again for this tip.

When I want a specific 'ruler' cut, I make a paper template and take it with me to make sure the finished cut is right. First time the True-Value hardware guy did not compare the template with his finished cut--he was off on one side by 1/2". It was re-cut at no charge.
I draw lines on the top of the new 'ruler' then score with a utility knife, I then fill in the scratch with a fine point permanent marker. Lines are visible and work for me. That is how I made all my Twister rulers and also made a 10" ruler for layer cake cuts. Put cabinet door cushions on them so they do not slide around and you are in business.
Jan

Ladies have you ever thought to go to a glass company and ask for plexi glass templates. Some will cut them out of their scraps for nothing. I am lucky my brother owns a glass co and I work with a co that has a sheet metal shop and I have lots of templates in sheet metal and aluminun

I went to a hardware store and had them cut a piece of plexiglass (left over from whatever) to an exact 6x6 piece for 25 cents. It is exactly square and is great for a template because it is durable. I took the heavier plexiglass piece rather than the lighter one, it is more rigid. Try this before going to a big box store.

I had our local glass shop cut me a 3X3 that I used for a small twister quilt.

Thanks for this tip.
Now, I have a question---Is there anyway to save money on the mats for the Accuquilt Go?

If you take in a template....say of a weirdly shaped piece, will they cut it from the template? I'm thinking of the arc piece in a New York Beauty......

As mentioned in my earlier post, I had an applecore template made. It was actually the first one I had done. I just took in a photocopy of what I wanted and asked if he could do it, and emphasized the accuracy part! No problem he said with a smile!!! :) I had both the large and small applecores done while I was at it and they were smooth as can be around the edges and totally accurate! The small rotary cutter zips around them real slick.

Of course, some places will do it ... some will not!
All you can do is ask ... and find out. If it's no, then just go on to another place.

This has been a great thread. Thank you ladies for all the information. I'm going to have to try this. :)

My small locally owned hardware store will do this for me also.

I'm on my way to the store as we speak.
Thank you.
Happy Easter weekend...love this time of year with the great renewel.

what a graet idea, thanks for posting.

Thanks for the great tip!!!

A couple years ago I went to Lowes, picked out a piece of plexiglas 24" X 48", asked the young man if he would cut it into several strips and squares. He said yes, I gave him my list and got 10 pieces for about $8.00. I was a Happy Camper. Ruth

What department in Lowes?

we have a Local Hardware store that will cut plastic-it really does save $$

Most car window replacement shops has top quality pexi glass. The guy typed the dimensions on the keyboard and clicked start and the machine cut the pexi glass. Very accurate cuts. The one here charges a little more then Lowes but it's the same quality as the rulers in the quilt shops but no measuring lines.

Wonder if they could cut a 4 7/8" square precisely? Or even a 4 7/8" by 24" ruler? I know you can cut them larger and trim them down later, but that's extra work.

That's where I go, too (they sell custom glass & mirrors). Not only have i had squares cut, but also tumblers & so other kinda weird shapes used for specific projects. It's cheap, it's accurate & it's easy. I'm for ALL of those things... LOL!

Any hardware
 

Your local hardware (Ace) here can do the same. Pretty soon I will have a perfect square for any size block. It sure makes the job easier. I have had to lightly sand the edge on one that was a little ruff, but otherwise perfect.
Vicky

It sounds great but the Lowes here seems to have idiots working. I don't think I could trust them to be accurate.

Measure it before you pay ... if not accurate, then no payment!
What do you have to lose?

My home depot wouldn't do it. Sold me a large piece and the tool for cutting:)