Is Plaster easy to saw?

connelsey · 28 Dec 2008

This isn't a building question! - I am hoping to make a sculpture using mostly plaster, I then want to slice the sculpture into several cross-sectional pieces. Is it fairly easy to saw thin (half inch) plaster without it fraying or splitting badly, and would it leave the saw in a poor state afterwards?

cheers
douglas

noseall · 28 Dec 2008

regular skimming i.e. thistle multi and board finish will be rather brittle.

i would be inclined to use something more dense like dry wall adhesive.

unless you cut it with a fine wet saw then any plaster product is likely to splinter and also ruin the saw.

2scoops0406 · 28 Dec 2008

Wouldn't you use plaster of Paris for a sculpture?

Reginalddean · 28 Dec 2008

Ive used a jigsaw on plasterboard (fireboard) and it was like a hot knife through butter

^woody^ · 28 Dec 2008

Yes, but remove the paper backing and it will crumble like a knife through some Wensleydale cheese

connelsey · 28 Dec 2008

Thanks for your replies chaps.

I probably will chose to use plaster of paris, does anyone know whether that will respond any differently from ordinary plaster and be difficult to cut?

cheers
douglas

breezer · 28 Dec 2008

i always thought P of P was moulded into the required shape then left to set, since its made up thinner than custard

does it have to be plaster? what about a tin of expanding foam? line a box with polythene, spray in foam, leave for at least 48 hours remove box and you can shave the foam with a surform, or cut big bits with a bread knife

connelsey · 29 Dec 2008

does it have to be plaster? what about a tin of expanding foam? line a box with polythene, spray in foam, leave for at least 48 hours remove box and you can shave the foam with a surform, or cut big bits with a bread knife[/quote]

Very interesting could just be what I'm looking for, thanks breezer, I'll certainly give this a go!

cheers
douglas

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Is Plaster easy to saw?

connelsey

noseall

2scoops0406

Reginalddean

^woody^

connelsey

breezer

connelsey

DIYnot Local

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