Chopping may be done in mid-air with an axe; but in modelling, it is usually done with a hard non-abrasive, backup anvil to avoid dulling cutting edges. Although it may be sharp, the blade cutting angle is designed to split away chips by a wedging action. resulting from perpendicular pressure. Most knife blades can produce the action, but some are better, dependent on the situation and material. Care must be exercised, since side thrust will cause flying parts.
Anvils can be hard wood, Masonite or glass, but some particle boards contain abrasive bonders.
Probably the best and least expensive freehand chopper is Al Westerfield's choice, the single edge razor blade. Although it can be used as a slicer, it does an excellent job as a fine chopper. Dulled slicing blades are passed down to chopping, which is done on s small sheet of glass. Since the stiff back was not designed as a handle, use is slightly awkward; but with a little practice, adept usage can be attained. Since sharpening is not practical and they are inexpensive, they should be bought in industrial bulk packs of 50 or 100. Almost obsolete in safety razor use, thinner double edge blades are difficult to find.
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SINGLE EDGE RAZOR BLADE
A handle saves finger fatigue. While a double edge blade with handle is sharper, for more delicate work.
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HANDLED RAZOR BLADE CHOPPERS
Double edge.
Single edge.
Based on the same design as roller cutter for pizze (correct plural for pizza), a modeller's sized, dressmaker's wheel cutter can cut cloth, leather, vinyl, thin film, paper and thin clear glazing sheets very well. Even though it is rolling, the cut is essentially a chopping action. The wheel edge is shielded by a flexible flange guard which deflects when pressed against work surface. A lever operated brake introduces a drag, which produces a slight slicing effect for cutting thicker and heavier material. Simpler versions are offered by arts and crafts suppliers.
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WHEEL CUTTER 28 mm OD
Several fixtures have been developed to chop strip wood or plastic, most with an anvil board.
Mounted on a phenolic base, NWSL Connoisseur Line Chopper uses a single edge razor blade for chopping or slicing fine strips to precise lengths. An indicator stop points to an adjustable scale rule. Three slots are provided to compensate for wear. Scale position must be calibrated before first use.
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NWSL CONNOISSEUR LINE CHOPPER.
Mounted on a hardboard base, NWSL Chopper uses a single edge razor blade screwed to a simple lever for chopping, hold-down clamps and simple angle guides are included. Several sizes are available.
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NWSL CHOPPER.
Using a single edge razor blade and mounted on a thick acrylic sheet, the shay chopper features s screw down stop indexed to a scale rule. The compound lever action produces a combination chopping and slicing cut, which produces a cleaner cut with less crunching. Angle guides are scribed into sheet, but require second cut to achieve. An apparent clone, marketed as Calibre, is available at about $200 US.
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SHAY CHOPPER
Mounted on a plastic base with angle stops, the K-Tool Miter, uses a lever action. The arm is slotted to slide longitudinally and with a bar clamp is able to mount single edge razor, knife or Zona saw blades, it can be used as a chopper, slicer or saw.
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K-TOOL MITER
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