I have to admit I was slightly nonplussed by the arrival of Platz’s new compass cutter for review. What could be so different that needed testing? Then I looked at the packaging properly and saw that it’s capable of cutting a 1.5mm hole. That’s tiny! - way smaller than my trusted Olfa P-Cutter (see the side-by-side comparison shot of the two on their minimum settings).

The Super Punch Compass is moulded in robust beige ABS plastic and comes fitted with a titanium blade. Spares for this are available, but none are included in the pack.

The design is really rather clever, because the compact little tool not only slides in on itself so tight that the blade and pin almost touch, but also extends out to allow large 10cm circles to be cut. I found it’s very nicely balanced in use, and I quickly managed to cut accurate circles, although at the minimum diameter the slightest slip is inevitably apparent.

Of course, at really tiny diameters, the compass cutter is firmly in the territory that’s arguably more easily tackled with a punch and die for many tasks. But this is for me the really exciting aspect of the new tool, because it perfectly bridges the frustrating gap that often exists between the largest size modelling punches and how small a hole you can cut with something like a P-Cutter.

Conclusion

Small is definitely beautiful in the case of Platz’s new Super Punch Compass, and this handy little tool definitely has a place in my toolbox. Recommended. Whether you’re cutting thin sheet for scratchbuilding and modifications, or decal sheet or painting masks, this little gizmo should prove invaluable.

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