Foam Core Circle Cutter Recommendations?
Decorating By PattyT Updated 7 Oct 2009 , 2:03am by karensue
On the "Extra $150 to Spend" thread, I mentioned that I'd like a circle cutter to cut foamcore cake boards. I didn't want to hijack that discussion from its original purpose, so started this thread.
I started looking for something to cut a series of holes in foamcore, but also wanted something that would cut nice cake board circles too. I found the following:
When I started my search, the scrapbook ones with the plastic circle templates popped up in a search first. But these had very short blades and didn't look like they'd cut the thicker foam core (up to 1/2").
Then I found the Foamwerks one:
http://buz-line.com/p-1810-logan-foamwerks-wa-8001-foamboard-circle-cutter.aspx
This was specifically listed for foam core. Nice but only cuts 1-6" holes. Looked good for cutting small circles/holes but not so much for larger cake boards.
Then the Logan one:
http://www.logangraphic.com/products/specialty/oval.shtml
This is listed as a mat cutter for framing, but was one of the few that looked like the blade would be large enough for 1/2" foam core. Michael's Craft Store had these at about $80 - even with my coupon it seemed like a lot. eBay has them MUCH cheaper.
With either of the above, I wanted to at least start, then finish with my hot knife if necessary.
There were several that fit onto power drills - big bit with two blades spinning around. They were listed for drilling speaker holes etc. in drywall. A bit of overkill and looked very scary to boot.
The Foamwerks looks more accurate but too small, the Logan one can cut bigger circles but not sure if it stays true or wiggles.
Does anyone have experience using any of these items? Or have another to recommend?
Thanks
On the "Extra $150 to Spend" thread, I mentioned that I'd like a circle cutter to cut foamcore cake boards.
Does anyone have experience using any of these items? Or have another to recommend?
Thanks
I use the LION-EV-R-ROUND cutter.....wonderful tool.....the basic unit comes with an arm to cut up to 6 inch circles....but they have another arm for a few dollars that cuts up to 16 inch one!
Order a box of blades too....you go through them fast, but you get like 400 in a box and there not much money.
I use the foamwerks circle cutter to for my small boards and also their drill set to cut my center holes in my boards so that I can slide them down over my center dowel which I already attached to my base board.
I bought mine from www.misterart.com but you could google it and find it other places as well I'm sure.
I use the logan one. It cuts a 1/4 inch foam board with no problem and is easy to use, it does cut a beveled edge but nothing that isn't workable. I did have to adjust the blade so that i could make a deeper cut, but it wasn't anything that took much thought.
I use the logan one. It cuts a 1/4 inch foam board with no problem and is easy to use, it does cut a beveled edge but nothing that isn't workable. I did have to adjust the blade so that i could make a deeper cut, but it wasn't anything that took much thought.
The LION-EV-R-ROUND cuts a perfectly straight side.
I also am very basic. I use a cake pan to draw the circle on the board and then use an exact-o knife...BUT...I got one of those Fiskars exact-o knives that has the orange handle that you put your finger through. Lets you have a LOT more control and works like a charm!!! I got mine at a scrapbook supply store (because that's another addiction of mine hehe) but I think they have them at Michael's and Jo-Ann Fabrics in the scrapbooking department also.
I'm doing it the low-tech way too...I use a Husky box cutter, the kind that folds like a pocket knife. I've had it for 4 years now and only had to change the blade twice.
I use the logan one. It cuts a 1/4 inch foam board with no problem and is easy to use, it does cut a beveled edge but nothing that isn't workable. I did have to adjust the blade so that i could make a deeper cut, but it wasn't anything that took much thought.
The LION-EV-R-ROUND cuts a perfectly straight side.
Wish i knew that before i bought the other, but with a 50% off coupon it only ran me about $45 or so, not that much money but enough that i'm not about to replace it right now. 
Thanks everyone - I appreciate all the suggestions.
I do already use a hot knife (40% coupon of course!), and found it a bit better than a plain exacto. Being a gadget/tool lover, was hoping for something to make it a bit faster and smoother.
Peg818 - thanks for the info. When I read the description, I was wondering about the bevel.
jlynnw - sounds like a very cool idea - especially because it's a multitasker!
I did look up the Lion tool, but it looks good too - and not overly expensive! Wonder why it never showed up on my google searches when I found the others.
Thanks again everyone! Great, useful advice as always.
I really like my shop tools. They are small and easy to use. I am hoping to get the whole set for Christmas. I use the saw all the time. I made a jig to cut the plastic dowels for sculpted cakes. I have never had a problem because they are always level. (I like SPS for regular tiers) I can cut out the foam core board and then if I really need it, I sand the sides, dust off with alcohol, air it a bit, and go on to caking. I only make a cake or two a month. Maybe high volume you could justify the arm cutters. IDK, I still think I would use my tools.
Look what I googled up...
http://www.holepro.com/movie/Hole-Pro-Adjustable-Twin-Blade-Sheetrock-demo.swf
Cuts up to 17" circles!! Pricey, though.
I was just reading all of these and had one question- Does the Lion-Ev-r-round cut the 1/2" boards? It doesn't look like it does with their description. After struggling last night with a box cutter, I'm definitely thinking about investing in something to cut these circles with! Thanks!
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