This simple item is their first tool of the 1600 series. It consists of a polymer block measuring 3.125 inches by four inches and is 0.25 inch thick. The material is not flexible and has a waxy feel. There are machine marks on it from the cutting process. However, this actually is beneficial since it keeps the photo-etched material from slipping.

It comes attractively packaged in stiff paper with instructions on the back side. See photo 1. These instructions state "Using a new #11 [blade - Ed.], wiped clean of the protective oil, line one side of bevel of the blade against the part gently depress to cut the attachment point."

Usually, I use a number 15 scalpel blade for cutting PE or a chisel blade. For a surface, I have used The Small Shop’s product. However, I tried the recommended method, photo 2, and it worked as advertised. Since I wanted to hold the part securely as I cut, I did use the clear hold down press from The Small Shop. The number 11 blade’s tip was not damaged as I feared it would from cutting. I did damage the tip when the knife fell out of my hands though.

In response to some questions regarding this review product (don’t you love the ‘discuss this review’ function?), I snuck my wife’s polypropylene cutting board into my workshop. It does share the same color and translucency as The Block. However, the surface of the cutting board was pebbly. This may explain the machined surface of The Block. Trying to cut PE on this surface resulted in sliding and slight warping of the PE frame since the surface was not smooth. Even if the surface were smooth, cutting with the scalpel raised tiny fibers from the cutting board. This result did not occur with The Block

I then tried cutting directly on my self healing mat. I have done this many times and found the surface to be too soft…far too much give... and the knife digs deep after cutting through the thin metal. While there is a ‘healing’ action, the cut areas are slightly raised and the ‘wound’ is felt by running one’s finger over the mat. This results in a surface that is no longer smooth or flat. A self-healing mat is excellent to have under a cutting surface, should one stray, but it should NOT be the surface to cut on.

Results

This product is better as a cutting surface than anything I have tried before. The only improvement would be to include a press to hold the part steady and flat while cutting. Since I have the press from The Small Shop set, I am set. Ausfwerks’ product is heartily recommended to those modelers whom add PE to their kits. My thanks to Ausfwerks for the review sample.

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