what should be the ideal wieght of the paper?

[potter791]

ive been using 35 lb. matte photo paper for most of my projects; im not sure if its too thin or what

what would u recommend? 65 lb? 55 lb?

which one would be scored and cut easier?

and which one will hold when wet glue is applied.

THANKS!!!

[Darwin]

There is no "ideal" paper weight....it depends on the size of the model and the intended purpose of the individual part. Generally, though, I think 35 lb paper is too light weight to use in most paper modeling applications. I think 65 lb paper is a very good "general purpose" paper choice. For some applications, 110 lb works well (such as internal framework for JSC 1:400 scale ships). Bond paper is effective when used for rolling small diameter (less than 2 mm) cylindrical parts. I keep a fairly wide selection of paper (both in weight and type) on hand, and keep my eyes open for new stuff every trip to the crafts store that my wife drags me on.

[Phil]

I use 110# for everything! Personal preference applies here.

[dansls1]

The commercial models I have are the same thickness paper as the 70# paper I've bought.

[GreMir]

Every paper is different.
Sometimes you might have 65lb paper (I wouldn't go lower than that for big models) that will be stiffer than 110lb.
Experiment with several brands and weights. Make sure that you can roll card into tight cylinders without it deleminating itself on the first pass over the dowel. Pick something that gives you good color print and you feel comfortable with.

[potter791]

110? wow! i guess that'll take some cutting

[GreMir]

It's not that bad - any scissors or hobby knife will do the job without breaking a sweat :D

[Don Boose]

For some reason, many 110-pound papers are of the same thickness as 65-pound (Wausau Astrobright 65-pound; Exact Bristol 67-pound; and Exact Index 110-pound are all .009" thick, for example, and that is almost exactly the same thickness as the paper that comes in GPM kits).

Don

[whulsey]

Here's a site with info on how paper weights are determined: Paper Weight - Conversion Chart . Maybe it'll help explain why as Don mentions several types of paper even thought rated at different weights will have the same thickness. Also has explanations of different paper types that might be helpful.

[Don Boose]

Thanks for this very useful information, Wayne. It is a good supplement to the paper chart that Bill Geoghegan put together some time ago.

I am glad to add the term "caliper" as the thickness of paper to my vocabulary, too.

Don