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Best File Set for vinyl

T

tkhandsome

New Member
Good day all,

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what they're using for hand files when it comes to trimming vinyl.

Currently we've tried a lot of what Amazon has to offer but I'm not getting the cleanest of edges.
Can anyone recommend what they're using?

Thanks,
 
Stacey K

Stacey K

I like making signs
I saw some guy in a You Tube video using some kind of little blade thing you set on the side on the substrate and it trims a nice 1/8" off. Is this what you are talking about that doesn't work "as shown on tv"?

I've only used the above method of knife and aluminum ruler.
 
JBurton

JBurton

Signtologist
What are you trimming off of?
I'm assuming square rigid substrate, I'm a fan of a snap off knife (https://www.amazon.com/NT-Auto-Lock...=1738164416&sprefix=nt+red+dot,aps,127&sr=8-5) and a steady hand, cutting in a downward direction while moving across the edge. I'm not a fan of giving any angle, just perfectly parallel to the edge of the substrate.
Filing has never worked well for me, but the finer the file, and the more well adhered the material, the better the results. Adding heat to set the vinyl and allowing it to cool may help with adhesion.
 
H

Humble PM

Mostly tolerates architects
I've seen some videos of install the 3M Dinoc architectural films on things like book cases, and the guy uses a file or fine sandpaper to cut the joints at the edges.

NT 30º snap off, 10a scalpel, .009" razor, or even Noga light-duty...
 
T

tkhandsome

New Member
Sorry, I should have clarified.

We use x-acto knifes for straight cuts, panels, etc, but often we apply vinyl to smaller letter sets (acrylic, acm, or aluminum). These can be a pain to cut properly with a blade.
We've been using hand files for filing off the edges but the ones on amazon tend be to junk and don't last too long.
 
U

unclebun

Active Member
I looked on Amazon and considering you can get a set of 6 different shapes for $5.99 I think you could just consider them as disposable tools. You could also get a 20 pack of emery boards for $4.99.
 
Stacey K

Stacey K

I like making signs
tkhandsome said:
Sorry, I should have clarified.

We use x-acto knifes for straight cuts, panels, etc, but often we apply vinyl to smaller letter sets (acrylic, acm, or aluminum). These can be a pain to cut properly with a blade.
We've been using hand files for filing off the edges but the ones on amazon tend be to junk and don't last too long.
Click to expand...
If I understand correctly, you are filing the edges? I use an electric sander with 180 sandpaper. It's super fast. I used to use a hand file and I don't have the patience for that.
 
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