Decal cutting

[modelman62]

how do you all cut out your decals? on the straight parts do you use a straight edge of some type, or just a steady freehand?

[Iron Eagle]

I use a metal ruler and a sharp knife.

Edited July 18, 2006 by Iron Eagle

[modelman62]

I use a metal ruler and a sharp knife.

Thanks Eagle!!

[phantom]

Nothing more fancy then a pair of scissors.

[modelman62]

Nothing more fancy then a pair of scissors.

If i knew how to make a poll, i would have done it that way. LOL

[T-bone]

Scissors! Especially after mutilating a decal with an errant razor blade stroke!

[Shawn C.]

I use a fresh #11 X-ACTO blade. I'm sure that I'll regeret it one of these days when I do slip, but it has worked real well so far.

[Dave Williams]

I just use a pair of small scissors also. I've never found the need to do all of that cutting away the clear carrier film junk.

[modelman62]

I use a fresh #11 X-ACTO blade. I'm sure that I'll regeret it one of these days when I do slip, but it has worked real well so far.

Im with you Shawn on that way. Ive used the scissor method before and could never control it good enough, even used decal specific one and some operating types, always seemed to not be able to like make a good turn or whatever, or it would just not do to right.

lately ive just been doing it by hand with the #11 blade, i feel i have more control over it... knock on wood. LOL

[smutz]

hi i use a pair of nail scissors or a new no 1 blade, but ive just had a pair of tamiya decal scissors

74031-1200 come from hobby-link have'nt tried them yet but they look good.

andy

[Edgar]

As far as possible, I leave the carrier film intact; I've always felt that cutting off some of the film will leave a slightly thicker decal. If you leave the carrier intact, it tapers away to nothing, giving you a better chance of an invisible surround. And I use blunt-ended nursing-type scissors, sharp, but safe.

Edgar

[Jamie Cheslo]

Hi Pat:

I use a fresh #11 blade, and a ruler to help avoid those slips. Haven't lost a decal yet, and I find I have much more control with the blade than with scissors...

J.C.

[Bob Perry]

Scissors here too, no need for anything else. Short, sharp and there is nothing better for control.

If you use a blade you'll need something sharper than a No. 11. Try a safety razor blade, the kind that Wilkinson Sword and Gillette make. They are much sharper, give excellent control and won't drag like an X-Acto. Don't bother with a handle, either, they are perfectly safe in bare fingers.

I wouldn't use one on my face any more, thanks to the new generation of stainless triple blades and so on, but for fine cutting of decals and as a general hobby tool you can not go wrong with a safety razor blade.

Edited July 18, 2006 by Bob Perry

[Drifterdon]

A brand new pair of short scissors made by Fiskers. They are so sharp I could cut myself if I wasn't careful. When they start to dull, I buy a new pair and use the old ones in my tool box. If I need to get real close, an X-acto with a new #11. Scissors cover 99% of my work though.

Don

[Old Blind Dog]

Hey Pat,

For the straight cuts on a decal sheet (I always cut with a sharp Xacto #11 blade) I use a little metal tool I found in a sewing supply store; it's a measuring tool that has various lengths and widths (the ones most common in sewing) marked off and can be turned this way or that to find the right measurement. It also makes a great little straight edge, especially for cutting or marking really short lengths.

Sure as heck wish there was a better way to make precise circular cuts!

Cheers

Old Blind Dog

Edited July 18, 2006 by Old Blind Dog

[David Walker]

I use a small pair of surgical scissors that I picked up several years ago. They do a great job.

Edited July 19, 2006 by David Walker