Cutting Photo-Etch

[Guest]

Hi Guys , just a quick one - whats best to cut PE from the sprue also whats best get rid of any rough bits , finally is it ok to use superglue to fix it.

Any advice much appreciated

PE virgin

Richy

[AlanG]

New scalpel blade on a cutting mat will suffice. As for rough bits then i would buy a set of cheap micro files or some wet and dry might do the job. After all it is soft metal (brass i think).

For glue i think i am correct in saying you can use superglue. But i am sure someone with far more experience will come along soon and put you right

[Guest]

Gonna get in before Ron and Patrick.

Cut it on a hard surface, not a cutting mat, cos it'll bend. Also, put masking tape across the back so the little bits don't ping off into the carpet. Needle files for the rough bits, and wet n dry.

Superglue will do fine but it can make a mess on the surface of a model so be careful!

Tony B

[Guest]

Thanks Gents , lucky enough I`ve just got a new swann & morton scalple with 20 blades , files and wet and dry already in the kit along with a timber chopping board, masking tape the PE is a great idea

Cheers guys

Richy

[Ian M]

If you can get one a piece af glass or stone tile is best to cut on.

Super glue is the glue but you could also use Gator glue. Works just as well, if not better. You get a bit of adjustment time with it, unlike super glue where if you put it the wronge place you are buggered.

Gator glue can be cleaned off while wet with water and cotton bud. The masking tape is a fantastic idea.

Also a pair of twezzers that you squeez to open saves a lot of carpet hunts.

If there are larger parts that need to be rolled or curved. heat them up to cherry red with a lighter, and let them cool slowly. Nice and soft after.

If you are worried about brass showing through or chips in the paint showing bare brass, you can buy a solution that will turn brass permenantly black.

[AlanG]

Also a pair of twezzers that you squeez to open saves a lot of carpet hunts

Like this [ATTACH]13951.vB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]22532.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Ian M]

Thats the ones, just couldnt think of what you call them!!!

Twezzers. I'll go learn to spell! sorry

[Guest]

I was talking to the guy that does the demos in the local model shop, and he tells me that he uses Klear to attach small bits of PE, such as rivets etc. The paint will then hold it more. I'll give it a go. Doesn't sound a bad idea. Superglue sounds a bit dangerous for me!!!!