What do you use to cut models ?

Currently I've been using a fine hacksaw to cut bodies or parts for modifying but it is still a bit coarse (well, scale wise I guess I'm using a 2" wide grinder on a real car ...) , what does everyone use for cutting and where can I get something from please ?


(edited for spelling , stupid tiny netbook keyboard)

I use a hobby knife and Steel ruler ( specailey if i'm scratch building) i have three differnet size handle knives depending on what im doing and wheather im cutting plastic or resin

Thank's roadrunner , but is that for bodies too ? I tried that before on a curved panel and found I had to put too much pressure on it to cut , so much so that the panel became slightly warped . Or is that really a comment on the hobby knife (was a new blade but a small scalpel style hobby knife) I was using than the method ?

Razor saw is the preferred tool of choice,



I also use a Chisel edged scriber made by Bare Metal Foil Co.

Most decent hobby shops will carry both types in one form or another. HTH

Thank's Paul , that's on the shopping list now .

Since I've got this thread going , what are the most commonly used , or most useful sizes of twist drills to get for general use (might as well pay for one lot of postage as two) ?

A Micro drill set with sizes #61 - #80 (from about .35mm -1mm in size) is a worthwhile investment, then just get a few more larger sizes as they come in handy, say 1.5mm to 10mm



Here's a link to give you some ideas of whats available hobby tool wise,
http://www.hobbytools.com.au/index.htm

Brilliant , thank's Paul . I have everything from 1mm up to 20mm from the full sized mini's but it's the smaller stuff I'm not sure of . A set like that looks like the way to go and will cover everything . Thank's for your help .

Is it just me or do most of the specialist hobby tools seem fairly inexpensive ? I guess I've been playing with full sized cars and looking in autopart and hardware stores for too long ...

I use Dremel cut off discs for roof chops and any industrial style cutting. For finer cuts I use the back of a #11 blade.

I just got a Tamiya razor saw from Hobby Link Japan.
2 size blades with no backing that slot into a handle.
You can also get photo etched saw blades to fit into an exacto knife handle.

For individual very small drill bits try your local bolts/tools shop.
I get mine from a place called Bolts Galore and they are a lot cheaper than a specialist tool shop or hobby shop. Only drawback is they have to get them in but that doesn't take long.

Geez! I should come in here more often.

I used to use these for cutting stuff up........



The I got one of these and I've never looked back.



I find the Dremel gives me much better control. Use a really low speed and it 's just like cutting thru steel. However, use too high speed and it'll melt the plastic. 

My favourite disc is the reinforced one as the others tend to break if you put a little lateral pressure on them. They are good for some situations like when you want a really fine cut but they are harder to drive.

The best part about the Dremel cut off discs is that you can layer them up for roof chops, so if you want a three inch chop just use three discs. Pretty accurate as you can be confident you are removing the same amount of plastic all the way around.

Thank's guy's , actually I only just bought a (non dremel) rotary tool a week ago and am now planning a test model (poor 49 ford , it was only going to be a paint experiment model but might as well go the whole hog and do a radical body and roof chop to see what I can do) . I'm loving the fact that this one has a variable speed setting in 100 rpm increments from 800 rpm up to 33,000 rpm's (or there abouts from memory) , nice to have a bit of extra control .

awsome i gotta get me one of those
all i have is a pair of mini side cutters a pair of tweesers and a hobby knife (surgical blade style) i gotta upgrade my model tools

ALDI stores have a taurus rotary hobby tool kit this week for $25 dollars its like a Dremel tool has telescopic stand flexible shaft 40 piece accessories and handy case.

I use and recommend the Binford 6100 series SHD thats Super Heavy Duty Chainsaw with a 48 inch cutter bar and chain. For the more fiddly jobs I normally change down to the 36 inch bar for better control and a tidier cut. Actually I use a hacksaw blade(butcher they all cry!) for thicker rougher cuts and just use the back of my modelling knife blade and just scribe through for thinner neater jobs.

I found that the abrasive nature of the styrene blunted the chain too fast which is why, on Al's advice, I switched to the Binford Concmasta water cooled 16hp 14" Demo Saw with a Binford 140634 Evacut diamond disc.
I haven't look back since.

You mightn't have the revs high enough Fred, which would explain the chain going blunt. I chromed the conuter valve on mine and ported out the flux capacitor and now she sings along at 47000rpm. Makes quick work of even the thickest car bodies and great for cutting steak or one of the missus' cakes!

sports850 wrote:Thank's Paul , that's on the shopping list now .

Since I've got this thread going , what are the most commonly used , or most useful sizes of twist drills to get for general use (might as well pay for one lot of postage as two) ?

Hey sports if you still need the twist drill/spring loaded one, I picked up the drill and drill bits for $60 at Bunnings, they have a new hobby tools section! Guys, you might want to check it out I dont know if all bunnings stores have them but for all you melbournians, the one on old geelong has heaps of micro hobbie tools

Just though I could help out a bit

Cheers Mustang but Bunnings don't sell Binford tools...

Thanks for the tip Checkmate. I ran into Tim last week and he reccomended bolting an 8:71 blower onto the chainsaw and running it on a 90% nitro mix. Maybe i'll try it your way first...

Yeah Fred if your going to use a 8/71 make sure you run twin Predator's on it with number 3 fuel cams in them or they'll lean out near the top end. The only reason I didnt go with a blower is the whine from it was a little bit noisy when working inside at night. Give my regards to Tim and we'll all have to get together soon for a bbq and to fine tune somethings.

zenrat wrote:Cheers Mustang but Bunnings don't sell Binford tools...

Thanks for the tip Checkmate. I ran into Tim last week and he reccomended bolting an 8:71 blower onto the chainsaw and running it on a 90% nitro mix. Maybe i'll try it your way first...

No problems, im always keen to help out

I was watching tool time this morning I should read posts more thoroughly

Thanks for filling me in Zen

thanks Fred and co
its the best medicine