Recommend me a scribing tool.....

[pjgtech]

I would like to get some sort of scribing tool for cleaning up panel lines, highlighting fine details, etc.
What do you guys use?
I currently don't use anything specific, up to now I've used whatever I have to hand in the modelling area, eg: sharp knife, scalpel, etc.
In the garage I have a few dental type picks, so maybe could use those?
Looking online there are obviously dedicated tools by Tamiya, Revell, AK, etc but just wondered if these are actually necessary or not if something else can be used.
Opinions welcomed as always, cheers... 8-)

[minitnkr]

.......back edge of scalpel blade or dental pick.

[Tim Marlow]

I use an eclipse metal scriber. Had it for at least thirty years and never had to resharpen it. It’s also great for pop marking plastic before using fine drills on it, marking out parts on sheet metal, and scribing plank lines.
One of these…. Model E222 apparently.



I also sometimes use a Lino scriber nib (used in a mapping pen handle) I bought at an art shop very many years ago because it makes very good V grooves. Don’t know the make and number though….

[Tim Marlow]

Home made scrawkers are good as well…..look them up here.

http://www.clag.org.uk/scrawker.html

Please don’t try the making part of this without wearing safety goggles though. We don’t want to have to nickname you cyclops…..

If you buy a commercial one, such as the Tamiya panel line scriber, this is basically what you will get.

[pjgtech]

Scrawkers, well thats a new word for me, cheers, found this link....

http://www.clag.org.uk/scrawker.html

[Tim Marlow]

Scrawkers, well thats a new word for me, cheers, found this link....
http://www.clag.org.uk/scrawker.html

That’s the same link I posted ?

[pjgtech]

Oops, sorry didn't notice your link, cheers, just thought ooh new word, must go and look that up, Lol....

[Tim Marlow]

Scrawkers are actually a very good way to make accurate cuts in thicker styrene sheet. They remove a slot of material so keep a square edge and don’t raise a ridge at the cut line. Knives, even scalpels, don’t remove anything, they just push material out of the way in the same way a plough does. It’s why a blade cut in plastic leaves a ridge on the cut edge that you have to remove.

[pjgtech]

Have now got a Revell scribing tool, and one of the Eclipse E222 scribers mentioned above, plus as previously mentioned also have few dental type picks in the garage and sharp knives, scalpels, etc, so think I'm covered now.
A man can never have too many tools..... Lol.... ?

[Gern]

Seems you've really taken up this hobby seriously Peter - welcome aboard!

Looks like you have covered all the bases except one, which, alas, is the biggest!

What you going to do when SWMBO gets serious about your hobby taking over the house?