What do most of you use to cut 1/2 inch wide cork rings to 1/4 inch? I just can't seem to cut them straight.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve: Practice on cheaper grade rings. Use a safety edge razor blade. Mark the ring with a fine point pencil. Do not impress on the cork. Now, using the razor begin a thin cut 1/8 or less deep around the axis of the ring. Dont try to cut through all at once. Keep working around until the blade comes through the hole in the center. Practice makes perfect. Use the cheaper practice rings first. Good luck

I got a peace of PVC pipe the same diameter as the corke cut it 1/2 inch long, then measured up the length 1/4 inch and cut it with a hack saw blade about a little over half way. Then I put the corke in tub and use a safty razor to cut the corke as you cut, turn the corke a little at a time. you can cut a corke ring in 20 to 30 sec. and you get a straight even cut
good luck Bob

I use masking tape as a stragiht edge, along with a fine tooth hacksaw blade (I think 32TPI or less - got it from a hobby shop over a year ago so all I know is I wanted the finest TPI they had) I have done this and made like 1/8" rings. If I am cutting the last ring of a cork stick I take a flat file (I use a triangular file) and square it off. This will allow the cork to reel seat/butt cap joints have no gaps. I do this on a lathe.

Billy

Steve, I use a table top band saw. No matter what I tried I couldn't get two rings to come out the same. Considering I use the band saw to cut cork rings, EVA foam, wood reel seats etc, it was worth the very small investment considering my time, ruinining of materials, and stress.
Buzz

For what it's worth: Get a wire with two wooden handles at a craft shop. The Boy Scouts use them. Put tape on a short threaded mandrel, then put on cork ring. Turn on motor, have cork spinning, then hold wire by both handles, press lightly against cork, and it goes down like butter. Accurate too! Hope this is a help. This method can also be used for Hypalon or any foam grip materials.
Sanford Hochman

Now you guys come up with all these easy ways after I went to the trouble of making a little miter box to hold cork rings for cutting.

I use a minerature hack saw that I got at a hobby shop and I made a little miter box to hold my cork rings or grips. One side of the box slides in and out so I can put a small clamp on the two sides and hold the cork firmly in place while cutting. Works nicely for angles too.