Blackcollar Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 Hi Folks; I was wondering what type of machines and software are used by the members to cut painting masks... Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jbryan911 Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 I have the Silhouette Cameo and use their own drawing software with it. I haven't used it a lot but have been happy with the results so far. I've played with vinyl, Tamiya tape sheets and even frog tape. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Silhouette Portrait machine. Make sure you get a cutting mat! In addition to the media list above, don't forget Frisket Film. Plain ol' masking tape can be used with a slick backing sheet; I typically recycle the backing from Frisket, Tamiya sheets, or label sheets. Inkscape to generate cutting masks as well as decals. This is an outstanding general purpose 2D vector graphics program! Robocut to drive the cutter. This is a very simple program and gets the job done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lancer512 Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 I am also using the Sihouette Portrait cutter. I was able to do letters as small as 4mm (5/32") with it to be used as paint masks. Have been cutting vinyl and papercard. After cuttig papercard, I was not able to get good results with small letters anymore. So I guess I'll need a new blade. For easy shapes and letter, their own softwere is adequate, but when drawing my own shapes, it is a little awkward, as the software does not do what I want it to do. I have been looking into Inkscape, but I haven't had time to get more involved into it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a4s4eva Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Another user of Sihouette Portrait cutter. I've used it to cut Tamiya/Gunze sheets, masking film and Cheap A-4 self adhesive label paper. The supplied software has been fine for what I've done so far. I've used it to cut 1/48 RAF roundels and code numbers. I've experimented with cutting little rectangles with dimensions 1mm to 2mm for no step lines. All the main markings and serial numbers in this were cut using the Sihouette Portrait, I used masking film for these The rear serials on the Jag were also done on the Sihouette Portrait,. These were cut on cheap label paper from a stationary store. Roundels on this were cut with Tamiya masking sheet . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackcollar Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Thanks for the feedback! The final projects look great! What type of blade does the machine use? Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 The Silhouettes use their own blades, like these. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a4s4eva Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 I bought some aftermarket blades for mine which are cheaper and have different angles on the blade. These differing angles are supposed to be better for different materials and size of cutting. Can't remember where I found the info on the blades but a google search will find it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pep Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 I use the Cameo as well. Been making canopy masks for a while, latest one (and easiest) was for the tamiya F-14 since they already provide the template. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackcollar Posted January 25, 2017 Author Share Posted January 25, 2017 Thanks Fellas! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlienFrogModeller Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 Nice info...makes me wonder...hmmm. Questions; 1.What is the name of the stencil material used by companies like Tamiya for their tape and/or masks? 2. Are there sheets avail of this product listed in Question 1? 3. Has anyone else tried the other competitors; Circuit Explore Air 2 machine? Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lancer512 Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 (edited) 1. Washi Tape, also known as Kabuki Tape 2. Yes 3. Not me Edited January 30, 2017 by Lancer512 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlienFrogModeller Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 TY Sir Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hoops Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 I also have a Silhouette Portrait, as it is big enough for anything I need to do in 1/72. I do any artwork in Inkscape, save it as a Plain .svg and use the included Silhouette Studio Software to run the cutter without any problems. Up to now I've mostly been using it for camouflage masks on models, although i did use it for some larger identification numbers on the upper wings of Swedish Aircraft. There are lots ideas I'm planning on using it for, it's really a versatile tool. I made some T-shirts for my wife and daughters as well, pick up some good heat transfer vinyl, cut, iron and presto! Siser Easy Weed seems to be the best. Cheers, Hoops Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grey Ghost 531 Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 Has anyone set up a library of home brew patterns for download? Canopy masks and such. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pep Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 i have paterns for the tamiya tomcat, hasegawa f-16, revell tornado and HB su-27, i would not mind swapping. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pep Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 By the way, This is what i use as mask material https://www.amazon.com/Repositionable-Adhesive-Backed-Cutters-Punches-VinylXSticker/dp/B00JZ1VFD6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackcollar Posted January 31, 2017 Author Share Posted January 31, 2017 I talked things over with my wife and had a look at various machines. As she would also like to use it for some projects (though I think it will come down to myself only using it), I got a Cricut Explorer Air 2. I am VERY impressed with the cuts and results achieved. I have got fonts as well for German, RAF, RCAF, USAAF and USAF. I have ordered the following items from Amazon. It was way cheaper than the same item on EBay. https://www.amazon.ca/87130-Masking-Sticker-Sheet-Plain/dp/B004WBC0AQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485836021&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+87130 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlienFrogModeller Posted November 8, 2018 Share Posted November 8, 2018 Does anyone have a peer to peer software templates they would like to share? I am looking for anything really, would like to start playing with this system. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 3 hours ago, AlienFrogModeller said: Does anyone have a peer to peer software templates they would like to share? I am looking for anything really, would like to start playing with this system. Not sure what you're asking for. Are you asking for a sample mask file? I make SVG files in InkScape and then use Robocut on my Linux box to drive a Silhouette Portrait cutter. Various SVG files are available online, including this USAF roundel from Wikipedia. PM me with your email address and I'll send an SVG of the below image that I've used to cut a mask. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlienFrogModeller Posted November 9, 2018 Share Posted November 9, 2018 10 hours ago, dnl42 said: Not sure what you're asking for. Are you asking for a sample mask file? I make SVG files in InkScape and then use Robocut on my Linux box to drive a Silhouette Portrait cutter. Various SVG files are available online, including this USAF roundel from Wikipedia. PM me with your email address and I'll send an SVG of the below image that I've used to cut a mask. Sorry for the ambiguity...looking for templates that users here have created (roundels, stenciling). users that are willing to share with fellow modellers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheRealMrEd Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 My daughter bought a machine called a Cricut, which is very similar. I'm going to try a shot at some 18" scale 1/72 letter and numbers soon, but here's a link to my F8A Crusader built, where I used the machine to cut out pieces of a scratch-built ejection seat from thin plastic card. The process and artwork are shown here: F8A Build Just another use for a neat gadget! Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 9 hours ago, TheRealMrEd said: My daughter bought a machine called a Cricut, which is very similar. I'm going to try a shot at some 18" scale 1/72 letter and numbers soon, but here's a link to my F8A Crusader built, where I used the machine to cut out pieces of a scratch-built ejection seat from thin plastic card. The process and artwork are shown here: F8A Build Just another use for a neat gadget! Ed So the Cricut can now accept custom cutting files? Originally you had to use the cartridges with pre-draw shapes or text. There was a company that came out with a bootleg program to work with the Cricut but I seem to recall them getting a cease and desist. My wife has a Cricut we haven't even opened and I have a Cameo Silhouette I've used to cut plastic sheet. Or should I say to score it enough to make clean breaks. I really need to utilize the tool a lot more though. Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheRealMrEd Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 Hi Bill, The Cricut software is on-line on their website, maybe Cricut.com? You upload your files (I think my daughter uses .PNG files, as they are easier to enlarge or shrink), and then massage them as needed. . I don't think it costs anything extra to use. Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 good deal, thanks Mr. Ed. I'll have to look into that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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