Can anybody recommend an efficient method for cutting a large polymer clay cane?

[Former_Member]

Hi All! I have spent ages creating a large clay cane featuring a winter snow scene. The problem I have now is how to cut it! Ive tried using sculpey blades, but they seem to bow halfway through cutting, and i end up ruining the slice. I have wasted a fair bit of the cane trying to achieve a completely intact and even slice, and am feeling rather frustrated, as it took me weeks to create the cane! I have reduced strength in one hand due to an injury, and find it difficult applying enough pressure to draw a blade through this block. its the first - and possibly the last large cane I'll make, unless I can find a solution to slicing it! My cane is approx 5 inches wide, 3 inches high, and 4 inches deep. I'm based in the UK and wondered if anybody knows of a reliable method or tool for slicing large block shaped canes?
Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

[StarfallsAtDusk]

I would try to put your cane in the freezer for 5 minutes. That will help reduce smearing. Also I have seen a long flat blade in the polymer clay section of my local craft shop. It's about 8 inches long and has handles on the side so the blade is completely flat. If that doesn't make sense I can find a picture.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your advice Catharine, I have handles on my sculpey blade, but haven't tried putting the cane in the freezer, so I'll have a go at that and see if it helps. I've just seen something on here called a Simple Slicer, which uses what looks like a vegetable peeler to slice canes with. Have you heard of that before? Am wondering if it will be worth investing in to get even slices. Would be interested to hear if anyone has used this or something similar, and whether an ordinary veg peeler would work. What do you think?

[StarfallsAtDusk]

The tool I have is called the Sculpey Super Slicer. I bought it at my local craft shop.

http://shop.metalclay.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=133_96&products_id=936&zenid=e18...

[DandiBeadsCo]

When I slice a cane, I typically roll it back and forth in a "sawing" motion, keeping even pressure all the way through. If you are having trouble, you can roll some scrap clay into logs about the size of your cane and practice a few times :)

[Former_Member]

I usually let the cane sit out (unwrapped) for at least 24 hours before I try to cut it. Then I cut with the slicer in a rocking motion to keep the cane from deforming. If the clay is still soft I rub the slicer with cornstarch so it slices through a little easier.

[epicycledesigns]

I have NO idea if it would work, but I cut my cinnamon rolls with a loop of dental floss (put it underneath, and cross it on top, so that it loops around). It makes a nice, clean cut! But it very well may smear your clay creation. But if nothing else works it may be worth a shot!

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for your suggestions, I'm going to try some of them out today. Hopefully I'll have better luck this time, and also the cane has had time to settle and cool, which i'm thinking will make slicing easier... Ill let you know how I get on!

[Former_Member]

Hi! Just thought I would update you! We managed to slice my huge cane in the end! My Husband sharpened a long knife and we used a mitre block to get the slices even. I also used cornflour on the blade, which minimized dragging. We couldn't get the slices quite as thin as I wanted, so I think I need to save up for a 'Simple Slicer' or similar tool. I tried cornflour on my sculpey super slicer blade, but it was too flexible, and still buckled when slicing through this chunky block! I have to say that I will probably be sticking to making smaller canes from now on, as I know I can slice them much more easily! Thanks to all for your advice :) x