wwkkim Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Guys, I'm planning to build a model kit, not in a "let's make it all perfect" but more of "let's enjoy" way. So, I don't plan to use any sandpaper which makes the process extremely boring. However, I do want to cut the parts off the runner neatly and would like to hear you guys suggestion about cheaper way to do so instead of using Tamiya SHarp Pointed Side Cutter which costs around $30. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azrhino Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Dirt cheap way is to use a set of fingernail clippers. Also, most hobby shops, train shops, R/C shops, etc carry sprue cutters that cost around $15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Hingtgen Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 You can find them easily for $10, too. Check the more "crafty" stores (Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Ben Franklin) as opposed to kit/model stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegunny Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Side cutters from any electronics store will do the job just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azrael Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I use wire cutters I found for $1.50 USD. Otherwise, nail clippers are fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cache Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 http://brianscache.com/builds/tools.html Scroll down a bit to Sprue and Wire Cutters. I found both at my local Walmart. The Fiskars (orange handle) cut flush on one side and are ideal (IMO) for cutting parts from a sprue. The PM (black handle) are regular diagonal/wire cutters. I don't remember the exact price but I don't believe I spent more than $10 each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwkkim Posted January 31, 2009 Author Share Posted January 31, 2009 http://brianscache.com/builds/tools.html Scroll down a bit to Sprue and Wire Cutters. I found both at my local Walmart. The Fiskars (orange handle) cut flush on one side and are ideal (IMO) for cutting parts from a sprue. The PM (black handle) are regular diagonal/wire cutters. I don't remember the exact price but I don't believe I spent more than $10 each. Do these work like dream? I once had tamiya sharp pointed side cutter (which I don't have anymore) and it was cutting like a dream. When cutting ABS parts, I barely felt anything. When cutting PS, it was cutting it very neatly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big F Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I eaither use the Cheap side cutters or my cheap but stay sharp for ever curved scissors that I bought at the Modle shop I used to work at they cost me £4 IIRC they cut etchings, tin and plastic with ease Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylwell Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Guys, I'm planning to build a model kit, not in a "let's make it all perfect" but more of "let's enjoy" way. So, I don't plan to use any sandpaper which makes the process extremely boring. However, I do want to cut the parts off the runner neatly and would like to hear you guys suggestion about cheaper way to do so instead of using Tamiya SHarp Pointed Side Cutter which costs around $30. Thank you Look for bead wire cutters. They usually run under $10 @ craft stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cache Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Do these work like dream? they work very well for my needs. i use the Fiskars flush cutters for soft metal (miniatures) and sometimes plastics. they cannot cut hard metals though, that's where the diagonal cutters come into play. i ruined my first pair of flush cutters trying to cut a piece of piano wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jardann Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I picked up a nice pair of flush cutters from Radio Shack a while ago. They cut very well. About half the time I have to run an exacto blade along the cut spot, but I also usually don't try to get the cutters right up against the part just to make sure they don't bite out too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lethalzero Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 what i am using is the big nail clippers for the toes... its really sharp... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valk009 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Yeah, dedicated Tamiya or other hobby suppliers accessories are expensive and many times no difference than items found in a diy shop! Just make sure the cutting plier to get cuts straight and not in a curve and flush with the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cent Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 you can find all sorts of wire cutters at a dollar shop even. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiroikaze Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I use wire cutters myself.. I sometimes had a bit of trouble using nail clippers, the concave shape and the sprue tree sometimes get in the way. Not to mention, I always feel tempted to try and cut flush with nail clippers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
len_d69 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I think Nail Nippers will do better the Nail Clippers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiroikaze Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 you can find all sorts of wire cutters at a dollar shop even. Actually, I just went to the Dollar Tree earlier... I saw the wire cutters there and they look horrible. But then again it's only the Dollar Tree, I don't how other stores's cutters are like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylwell Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Xuron cutters, bead wire cutter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amirn Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 bead wire cutter. That is the type I use. 8 bucks at a craft store in the bead/wire section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylwell Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 That is the type I use. 8 bucks at a craft store in the bead/wire section. Yup. I've owned 4 IIRC. Managed to break 2 @ the cutter. Tryin to cut very thick sprue IIRC. At $8 and 10+ years of service I can let one break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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