Brian's 1/48 Dkm u-Boat Type Viic U-552

[Neil Merryweather]

Acrylic is more brittle than polystyrene. Problems probably come from going in too fast and hard with the drill and not supporting the back of the part being drilled.
I would make sure the part is clearly Centre marked and properly supported at the back. Use a good sharp drill. Take it slowly without forcing the drill in, possibly drilling by hand rather than using a power drill. Finally, I would lubricate the drill site with something organic like candle grease.

I would also recommend drilling a smaller hole at first and then enlarging it gradually and gently

[Bri62]

Thx guys............. or I could paint them matt black as there recessed?
Bit more done very fiddly stuff

[Tim Marlow]

I would also recommend drilling a smaller hole at first and then enlarging it gradually and gently

If I was going that way I’d use a five sided cutting broach Neil. They open out a hole without changing its position. You can very easily drift the hole out of alignment otherwise. A tapered needle file rotated in the hole will also work, just remember to turn it counterclockwise so it doesn’t pull itself inwards and jam or split the workpiece.

[spanner570]

Brian, the air vents /water displacements slots have to be drilled out as you need to see daylight through the hull. Well worth doing.

A bit of a ball ache to do. Especially in smaller scales I did.

I drilled mine out with a small drill to start with and then filed them to the correct shape.

[Bri62]

Yes Ron not a problem doing them, just a bit worried about the acrylic cracking as some is staying clear a crack would be impossible to hide.
Going to take quite a while to do as well

[spanner570]

Yes indeed, not an easy task - and very repetitive.

For this application on my 1/72 U. Boat, I used a heat source (An old, hot precision screwdriver) for the first 'Penetration' of the vents. Not for the faint hearted, but its safe and prevents any cracking of the acrylic. Then clean up with a suitable file.

[Bri62]

A little progress

[scottie3158]

Brian,
I have just had a good catch up, and wow some great work going on mate. The illumination looks spot on to me.

[Bri62]

wow some great work going on mate.

Thanks Paul

[Neil Merryweather]

really enjoying this Bri

[Bri62]

really enjoying this Bri

Thanks Neil, me too at the moment

[Airborne01]

Neil took the words right out of my typing finger. Super work matey!
Steve

[Bri62]

got my 3d stuff this morning from Poland, the more I think about it the more I'm thinking of getting one especially now as I have finished fishing due to my arthritic back and hips so will have plenty of time.

[Mark1]

Looking good :thumb2: 3d printer does sound good but my greatest technological achievement was sussing out i could make a call on a rotary dial phone that had one of them locks on it by tapping out the number on the little button under the receiver lol

[Waspie]

Loving the boxes of victuals!!!! Most important stores next to weapons!!!