I’ve been practicing Osterlind’s PCT and this is one of the first center tears I’ve worked on. Previously I’ve just used the Acidus Novice but thought getting the peak as you are tearing would work well for what I need it for.

My main question is paper used. Richard goes over it briefly but I’ve come across a personal difficulty. One thing mentioned was cutting index cards to business card size and using those, although that’s a good idea I find it difficult to tear (along the two sides folded together). Because it’s humid up here in MA, sweaty hands and the paper absorbs a little moisture I assume that’s why or I’m just very weak haha.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any tips or a different paper suggestion?

Thanks for any help.
Shawn

I believe he sells his own PCT pads on his site - so I'd reckon they might help you out? $4 per block if I remember rightly...

Agree with Iain. These pads are perfect, and can be used as "billets" too. Once you get it, many types of paper can be used.

Endre

Try cheaper index stock if your are starting with index stock, try rotating the paper at the start so that the paper grain is oriented the opposite way, and try beveling the edges (if there are any to bevel) to start your tear.

Or try a different peek/tear that has fewer paper constrictions. Think Pink or John Wells' come to mind as they can be done with pretty much any paper.

Post-It notes work well also. I've used the PCT with everything from cheap newsprint to thick cardboard (That was TOUGH!) so I think it's just a matter of practice.

*jeep!
-Grandpa

I e-mailed Osterlind and he mentioned Post-it's will work fantastic despite the stickum on it.

Thank you for the help everyone

I have a huge block of no-stick-um post-it's that I got for a few dollars at the stationary store. They work very well, but they are not at all opaque.