How to cut sorbothane?

Sharp edge of a tin can? Seems also there is a leather working tool that cuts circles. Is Tandy leathercraft still in business?

I would try a roller cutter. M wife has one for cutting material and it cuts about anything I need it to. I think it will cut cleanly because it rolls instead of drags across the surface

First, I doubt that what you purchased is exactly the same material as Herbie's Big Fat Black Dots. I have them and they are somewhat stiffer than most sorbothane I've felt.

However, being a DYI tweaker myself I'd suggest you find a supplier of leather-working tools like Tandy. They carry hole punches for belts and leather projects and may well carry larger diameter hole cutters.

I just did a search and although most of their punches are small diameter you could use a strap end punch to cut half of the circle at a time. Here's a link:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?DEPT=206&Page=3

If you decide to go back to 1 5/16" circles, you can probably find an "arch" punch at that dia. or something close. McMaster Carr or MSC Industrial Supply would have them. It is just a heavy duty version of the pipe and already sharpened for use with a heavy hammer. You can also have a rule die made (sharpened steel blade set in a wood base), but that would be better if you have access to a small arbor press. You can also cut the sheet on a laser. If you have a sign making or trophy making shop around they could very well have a low power etching laser that would work.

And when you decide that is all too expensive and too industrial - tin cutting shears. Lots of leaverage to cut through the polymer. MSC or McMaster or local industrial supply. The HD or Lowes versions wouldn't be as sturdy.

Jim S.

Grant, The best and probably the safest way to cut your circles is on page 2165 of the McMaster catalog (#112). Alas, the cost is ~$29.