RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Very impressive work. Just wondering what kind of tools everyone uses for cutting and shaping the styrene? I see some cutters there that look like a Tamiya type tool. What tools would you deem absolutely necessary for a Noob tanker like me? I am not new to modelling or static kits, but I never really fabricated anything in this much fine detail on my planes other then cockpits at this scale. Also, I bet you could probably teach the sheep to IR battle but that might take more time then building the models. I am certain that their tactics would be quite unpredictable. LOL

quitcherbitchen wrote:Very impressive work. Just wondering what kind of tools everyone uses for cutting and shaping the styrene? I see some cutters there that look like a Tamiya type tool. What tools would you deem absolutely necessary for a Noob tanker like me? I am not new to modelling or static kits, but I never really fabricated anything in this much fine detail on my planes other then cockpits at this scale. Also, I bet you could probably teach the sheep to IR battle but that might take more time then building the models. I am certain that their tactics would be quite unpredictable. LOL

I was thinking of posting something on the tools I find truly indispensable (including the Tamiya Plastic Scriber). If you watch this space, I'll assemble all those that make working with styrene a pleasure, rather than a pain. Maybe tomorrow.

That would be very helpful. thank you

With styrene I have found that a good sharp xacto type knife and metal ruler is still the best tool to cut it unless you go up to a small table saw like I have, but that saw was for thicker material. Trick is, light cut first. Let the knife make an initial cut with light pressure. On really thin material that is the only cut you need to make in order to snap the styrene apart. On thicker material, make multiple light passes. The harder you press, the higher the chance of moving off the ruler when cutting or having the ruler slip. You can always clamp the ruler on top of your material using your benchtop to keep it from moving.

The other tool I tried to live without, but eventually bought was a thin beam metal L shaped square. Micro Mark has a really nice one that has a shallow lip that is great for styrene: https://www.micromark.com/Thin-Beam-Square

So to sum up the bare minimum I would use is an Xacto knife, square, clamps, Dremel (of your choice), and metal ruler. I have a whole host of full sized wood working machines in the garage if the small ones below can't handle the job.

Personally I love adding the table saw for material up to 1/4" thick:

https://www.proxxon.com/us/micromot/37006.php

And a small sander (shop around as I paid much less for this exact model):



And a small chop saw:

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini ... 62136.html

quitcherbitchen wrote:That would be very helpful. thank you

Thanks to Tankme for his take on tools. For me, these are the ones that make 'plastic surgery' possible. In no particular order from L-R, they are:
-Safety ruler (if you don't want to saw any precious digits off)
-Tamiya scalpel holder (also takes fine saw blades)
-x-acto saw and alternate blades
-Trumpeter razor saw (also has alternate blades)
-woodworking chisels (including curved and fluted profiles)
-Tamiya Scriber (used for cutting sheets of styrene accurately)
-Engineer's square (I have several. Essential for bonding styrene at right angles etc.,)
-set of miniature files (various profiles)
-set of palette knives (for applying filler, and Milliput etc..)
-Tamiya side cutters for trimming plastic and sprues
-Set of sharp chisels in a variety of cutting profiles
-Sanding sticks (normally used by manicurists )
Precision hole cutter.
Of course, you can add Wet and Dry, a Dremel and more to the list (Dremel certainly saves calories and elbow grease); but with a selection of these- and a decent cement- you can really shape styrene. The trick is to shape it into something recognisable- and I don't always succeed These tools work on most plastics and resin; but for resin, the use of a mask is pretty much a MUST.


There's not much daylight here today, in the far North- it's totally overcast, in fact- so apologies for the lack of crispness in the pics. Hope the tips help! More experienced modellers will doubtless add their tips; but that's my two penn'orth, as the old saying goes.

Thank you for all of your input. I own most of what you pictured except the safety ruler, scriber, and side cutter which I assume is better then wire cutters. I also own a dremel which I use a lot. Dropped it plenty of times too. These post should be in some sort of sticky for Noobies. I'll try and pick up the safety ruler before I do something like one of the other people did in a thread by cutting his hand. Ouch!

Yeah, I have all that stuff also. I think my razor saw is a God send. Not sure how I live so long with out it. I use it all the time now that I have it. I don't have a Tamiya scriber, but I can see a use for it. Might have to pick one up. I've done some scribing with the cheap dental picks I picked up on a whim, but that scriber looks much better.

tankme wrote:Yeah, I have all that stuff also. I think my razor saw is a God send. Not sure how I live so long with out it. I use it all the time now that I have it. I don't have a Tamiya scriber, but I can see a use for it. Might have to pick one up. I've done some scribing with the cheap dental picks I picked up on a whim, but that scriber looks much better.

The scriber is my default tool for slicing through styrene sheets, in a straight line. The safety ruler, used in tandem with it, negates the option to slice through my fingertips- with equal ease
My favourite bonding agent for said slices, when adding them to a build, is Revell Contacta Pro. I especially like the needle-proportioned dispensing tube that comes with it. It works like a fine syringe, permitting the user to get cement into all the right places (not on the hands, clothes, the dog, and partner's fine furnishings ). I also like Tamiya's cement and ABS cement.

43rdRR,

I see i'm missing many "tools of the trade". My Father has always said "you can never have too many tools". Actually, it was " a place for every tool, and a tool in every place"!

Cheers,
Eric.

EAO wrote:43rdRR,

I see i'm missing many "tools of the trade". My Father has always said "you can never have too many tools". Actually, it was " a place for every tool, and a tool in every place"!

Cheers,
Eric.

Given time, Eric (and motivation, of course) you will acquire them- or, they will acquire you