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Sheet Styrene

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  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Sheet Styrene
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 1:22 AM
I often hear of modelers using "sheet styrene" to scratchbuild items.I have some questions:
1) Where can i find it? [craft store?]
2) How much does it cost?
3) How does it come? (i.e. Thin sheets, thick sheets, blocks, packaged etc.)

I asked about it in a hard ware store and they said that they were out at the time but stated that it comes in sheets about a quarter to 3 quarters of an inch thick! [I can't recall which thickness he said but either way that was far too thick!]
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 1:27 AM
The sheet styrene he was referring to is probably a 4x8 sheet commonly used for insulation in houses. To get the thinner stuff, check your local hobby shop, Michael's, or Hobby Lobby, and they have plenty of it. Runs less than $5 a sheet, where I live.

Good luck!

demono69
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 2:14 AM
Thanks! This stuff is going to save em a ton on filler putty!LOL How larg are the sheets and how do you cut them?
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by Gundamhead on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 2:34 AM
Visit your local hardware store and go check out the 'For Sale', 'No Parking', 'Exit' signs. They are usually printed on white sheet styrene in some varying thicknesses. Your local hobby shop should also carry various sheet styrene and shapes. The two big modeler styrene companies are Plastruct and Evergreen. You should be able to find their web sites pretty easily.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 2:49 AM
Sheets usually come in up to sizes of 2x4. You may be able to find some larger, if you have a well-stocked shop. Glad to help out.

demono69
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 3:29 AM
Thanks! just keep the info coming!
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Central MI
Posted by therriman on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 9:35 AM
You can find it in sheets of varing thicknesses and textures. Strips, rods, quarter and half rounds. Very useful if you have a decently stocked stroe avail.
Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 3:41 PM
Well I am fortunate enough to have a Micheals, Hobby Lobby, and Hobby Town USA in my city. Though i don't frequent Hobby Town USA because they are one of the most expensive places in town when it comes to most items.
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Central MI
Posted by therriman on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 6:56 PM
Hobbytown should have some, mine does. But each is a francise store so owner can set own prices.
Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 7:40 PM
Check your local phone book under "plastics". You may find a plastic supplier that sells styrene, acrylic, etc. My local supplier also has a nice Remnant section with smaller leftovers dirt cheap. Occasionally they have interesting shapes too, as well as glues. Its worth a looksee.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 10:35 PM
Hmmm, "remnants". I like the sound of that. i'll have to check that route to.
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 20, 2003 5:40 PM
Actually the words "dirt cheap" are nice too! Smile [:)]
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 1:06 PM
I've always used FREE sheet styrene. You know the plastic inserts in the license plate frames that brag that you have a new car and don't have a license plate yet but the dealership wants to brag where the car was bought from? That is useable sheet styrene. I wouldn't go to the trouble of stealing the plastic from a new car dealer but if you ask the mechanics in back, nicely, they would have the sheets from other car dealers and would give them away when you explain you need the plastic for a plastic model? Plastic plates from other car dealers? Yes, car dealers do a lot of 'dealer trades' and those trades come in with the other dealership plastic plates. I've used the free styrene for building and Vac-U-Forming parts.

The styrene is printed on one side but just use the 'clean' side for the visible areas of your model.
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 10:45 PM
I bought a small clear sheet from hobby lobby for $1.69. Thanks for all of these great ideas. What is the best way to cut it?
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Central MI
Posted by therriman on Thursday, November 27, 2003 9:06 AM
Depending on the thickness you can use a sharp razor blade (or #11 blade) or a "razor saw".
Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by mark956 on Thursday, November 27, 2003 10:08 AM
You can also buy evergreen packs with different sheets and tubes in it.
mark956
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Thursday, November 27, 2003 12:08 PM
Do they have it at hobby Lobby? How much is it? The sales people I talked to at Hobby Lobby that day were not very knowledgable abot styrene. Wher ewould it be in the store?
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 27, 2003 6:27 PM
You could also try a model train store. Or visit them online. If the peolpe at Hobby Lobby don't know anything about styrene, why are they working there?
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Tennessee
Posted by MartianGundamModeler on Thursday, November 27, 2003 11:46 PM
i have no idea?LOL When i think back onit the styrene she showed me was clear and in the stained glass section. i'll be there was more somewhere else in the store.
"Some men look at things the way they are and ask ' Why?'. I dream of things that never were and ask "Why not?".--Robert Kennedy taken from George Bernard Shaw's "Back To Methuselah" (Thanks to TomZ2) http://martiangundammodels.50megs.com/index.html
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Where the coyote howl, NH
Posted by djrost_2000 on Friday, November 28, 2003 12:10 AM
Martian, check out these websites:

http://www.plastruct.com/
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/

Evergreen even offers a book on how to model with their' styrene products. You can get it from their webpage.

Happy Modeling!Wink [;)]

DJ
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 29, 2003 9:55 AM
My LHS is also a train shop, and they have a wide variety of Evergreen pruducts... I just bought .020 plain sheet styrene 5"x12", 3 sheets to a pack, for $2.25!!! this stuff is not real expensive, so buy some everytime i go, and now i'm getting built up a nice collection of styrene!!! i bought all different thicknesses plus round stock!!!
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: NE Georgia
Posted by Keyworth on Saturday, November 29, 2003 12:05 PM
Like gundamhead, I use "For Sale" signs from Wally World, or wherever I find them. I found a stash a local Big Lots last week for 25 cents each. I got $3 worth for future projects. Cheapest source I've found so far.
"There's no problem that can't be solved with a suitable application of high explosives"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 30, 2003 6:04 PM
Adding to the list of Evergreen & Plastruct.
Tamiya also sell a range of styrene sheets in different thicknesses both in white or clear, as well a sheets for vac-forming, etc.

Personally, I find Evergreen and Plastruct pricey and will only use them for specific applications.

I use the Tamiya sheets to make my own stackable display cases for smaller Kits and Diorama.

Another option is going to a well stocked DIY shop and check around there they also often offer plastic or acrylic sheeting.

Depending on thickness and size you might also be able to use some plastic containers from your own shopping.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 1, 2003 2:47 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by MartianGundamModeler

i have no idea?LOL When i think back onit the styrene she showed me was clear and in the stained glass section. i'll be there was more somewhere else in the store.


There may or may not have been more in the store. I have three Hobby Lobbys in the area where I live and all have the clear in the stained glass section, but only one has a "very limited" selection of "strips" and no large flat or specailized sheets of any kind. Of course, if there was market for it in the area, they might start carrying them.

DonAlien [alien]
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