Best way to cut parts from models?

[Defiant911]

I may have to cut the tail part from my plane as per the instructions. This makes me slightly nervous so I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips and best tools to carry out such a procedure.
regards Carl

[Jim R]

Hi Carl
JLC Razor Saw. Not cheap but once you use one you'll wonder how you managed without it. Cuts easily and removes very little material.
Jim

[Defiant911]

Hi Carl
JLC Razor Saw. Not cheap but once you use one you'll wonder how you managed without it. Cuts easily and removes very little material.
Jim

I’ve not got the jlc as they delivery seemed very long at the moment so I bought this alternative brand, think it was Tamika. I have tried it but the saw does seem quite course but maybe that’s just me?

[Dave Ward]

Carl,
if it's really tough then this can't be beaten - it's electric, so you can use it inside!!!!!!!!! :tongue-out3:
Seriously, though, use side cutters to cut away the majority of the sprue, just leaving little stubs to trim away. The razor saw is ideal for the job, but a heated craft knife can be quicker, although you need to be confident to do this! DON'T try to cut too close to the component - its easier to shave/file/sand material off, than have to add filler. Make sure you support the part & sprue when cutting, as plastic can tear, leaving nasty edges to repair
Good Luck!
Dave

[Gern]

Carl,
if it's really tough then this can't be beaten - it's electric, so you can use it inside!!!!!!!!! :tongue-out3: [ATTACH=CONFIG]n1123964[/ATTACH]
Seriously, though, use side cutters to cut away the majority of the sprue, just leaving little stubs to trim away. The razor saw is ideal for the job, but a heated craft knife can be quicker, although you need to be confident to do this! DON'T try to cut too close to the component - its easier to shave/file/sand material off, than have to add filler. Make sure you support the part & sprue when cutting, as plastic can tear, leaving nasty edges to repair
Good Luck!
Dave

Dave, I think Carl is talking about modifying kit parts rather than removing them from the sprue.

Carl, order a JLC saw. It might take a while to arrive, but you will find it worth the wait. It's a much thinner blade with a really fine cut.

PS I might consider getting one of those Bosch saws for the next time I have resin parts to deal with!

[Gary MacKenzie]

I may have to cut the tail part from my plane as per the instructions. This makes me slightly nervous so I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips and best tools to carry out such a procedure.
regards Carl

If you need to cut a kit part for modification, which is what I think you are asking, I agree about using a razor saw.
If you need to cut parts from the sprue then side cutters do a good job, so does razor saw, if you can get it where you need it.

some blades that would be thinner @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modelcraft-.../dp/B0037YEOLW

[Defiant911]

Carl,
if it's really tough then this can't be beaten - it's electric, so you can use it inside!!!!!!!!! :tongue-out3: [ATTACH=CONFIG]n1123964[/ATTACH]
Seriously, though, use side cutters to cut away the majority of the sprue, just leaving little stubs to trim away. The razor saw is ideal for the job, but a heated craft knife can be quicker, although you need to be confident to do this! DON'T try to cut too close to the component - its easier to shave/file/sand material off, than have to add filler. Make sure you support the part & sprue when cutting, as plastic can tear, leaving nasty edges to repair
Good Luck!
Dave

Thanks Dave for the advice, good point about sanding the last bit after removing most of the plastic.
ps, I only have an electric jigsaw and the teeth are really course-lol

[Tim Marlow]

I’ve found X-Acto razor saws to be pretty good, I would go for something with at least 40 teeth per inch (tpi) whatever you buy. The more teeth per inch the finer the saw.

[stona]

If you haven't got a razor saw a very fine hack saw blade will work.

If you don't use a razor saw much it's a cheap alternative, maybe even something that you already have.

[Defiant911]

Ok, I took my razor saw to it leaving about 1mm or so of plastic and then filed the rest by hand. Turned out spot on and no fatal disasters so thanks for help everyone.
Just needs a little filler and sanding and all good . For some reason the photos make it look worse than it is. Honest

[Guest]

For most parts, good-quality, sharp cutters will work just fine, such as ones sold for jewelry making or electronics work. Something like these, for example:



Small parts you can cut off with a hobby knife, but hold your finger on them to prevent them flying off into oblivion. Delicate parts are likely to be damaged by either of these methods, and then a fine-toothed saw as recommended above will come in very handy.

You can remove the stubs from the plastic with a sharp knife, file and/or sandpaper, whichever suits your preference — I usually use a knife to cut it away, then trim and scrape it flat.

[spanner570]

Bit late but, as Carl was asking advise about 'modifying' plastic parts, rather than ways to remove them from the sprue, I heartily recommend a Junior Hacksaw. Cheap to buy and a pack of replacement blades is cheap too.

Worth a punt for future use and kept in the toolbox.

[Defiant911]

Bit late but, as Carl was asking advise about 'modifying' plastic parts, rather than ways to remove them from the sprue, I heartily recommend a Junior Hacksaw. Cheap to buy and a pack of replacement blades is cheap too.

Worth a punt for future use and kept in the toolbox.

Yes, I’m sure I have one but probably just need some new blades. Clearly there are several
Ways of doing this and it’s useful to hear various options. Ultimately it’s about hearing methods that have been successful as often you only get one chance with these models and then a lot of work to repair if that’s even possible. Thanks for all the advice this far.
carl

[Tim Marlow]

Never had much luck with a junior hacksaw, I never get one to cut straight...

[spanner570]

Tim, a junior hacksaw was, and still is, an essential part of my tool kit. That equates to summat like 56+ years using one. I guess in that time it's not surprising I can cut a straight line with one. Using the frame or not. Who's a smart a**e, then?

Without the frame, the blade is great for cutting tight circles in up to 5mm. thick stuff.

Sorry Carl, I digressed from your thread.

Ron