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I want to buy some graphic cardboard (the kind that is used to make puzzles, or inside of 3 ring binders) but I can't find anywhere to get a large quantity of it to build terrain.. anyone have an idea?

Like this?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/all-purpose-chipboard/

 Sean_OBrien wrote:
Like this?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/all-purpose-chipboard/

Im pretty sure thats exactly what Im looking for, I've only used this material once to base a display, didn't have to cut it, how would you cut it to get clean lines to build structures with it?

 Googletron wrote:

 Sean_OBrien wrote:
Like this?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/all-purpose-chipboard/

Im pretty sure thats exactly what Im looking for, I've only used this material once to base a display, didn't have to cut it, how would you cut it to get clean lines to build structures with it?

Steel ruler and a new xacto blade are best for clean lines.

You can also pick up chipboard in the scrapbooking section of most arts and crafts stores. If you've got a Michaels, A.C. Moore, or the like local to you, you can avoid shipping costs. Granted, the price per sheet is higher, so you're only saving if you don't need a lot. I know that Michaels, at least, sells single 12"x12" (standard scrapbook size) sheets, as well as 25-packs.

That said, I don't see why you'd particularly want to buy any for terrain. While it will work, it's far from an ideal material (prone to warping/delaminating, etc.). If you're simply trying to cut costs, non-corrugated packaging cardboard (cereal boxes and the like) are just as dense, if a bit thinner (can always be laminated for extra strength/thickness), and rather easy to accumulate. The smooth, printed outside also takes spray paint better, as it's less porous.

 oadie wrote:
You can also pick up chipboard in the scrapbooking section of most arts and crafts stores. If you've got a Michaels, A.C. Moore, or the like local to you, you can avoid shipping costs. Granted, the price per sheet is higher, so you're only saving if you don't need a lot. I know that Michaels, at least, sells single 12"x12" (standard scrapbook size) sheets, as well as 25-packs.

That said, I don't see why you'd particularly want to buy any for terrain. While it will work, it's far from an ideal material (prone to warping/delaminating, etc.). If you're simply trying to cut costs, non-corrugated packaging cardboard (cereal boxes and the like) are just as dense, if a bit thinner (can always be laminated for extra strength/thickness), and rather easy to accumulate. The smooth, printed outside also takes spray paint better, as it's less porous.

I gotta agree here. I use cereal box card quite extensively in conversions & scratchbuilds & it has never failed me. It can warp when painted, but it's such an easy medium to work with that it is actually quite perfect for most uses, truth be told.

Steel rulers and craft knives, box cutters or Xacto blades should cut it well enough. The thickness will mean you will need to make several passes though. You also should be able to use some power tools to help in places. For windows, drilling out the corners with a drill bit can help getting clean cuts, and I am pretty sure it is an option with a few different laser cutting services as well.

While I would tend to agree with Oadie that it isnt the best material, I myself would not shy away from it if I were considering card stock for my primary structures. The thickness would stand up to larger spans and taller heights more readily, plus it gives some bulk to window openings that regular card stock is missing.

Also, there is something to be said for the ready availability of "new" materials. I wouldn't need to stock pile cereal boxes for a couple months or go searching out for something that is long enough, wide enough or clean enough. Price point makes it only a bit more expensive than free.

Granted, I would likely skip it for something more durable myself. I use card stock for mockups, but almost always switch to something a bit more solid for the final build.