rustymusket | 22 Feb 2014 7:22 a.m. PST |
I am getting back into 1/72 plastics and I am trying to find the best way of cutting the figs from sprues. Any suggestions on the cleanest way of removing figs at the bases? |
Texas Jack | 22 Feb 2014 7:37 a.m. PST |
I usually use an x-acto knife, but you must be careful not to cut into the base. |
MAD MIKE | 22 Feb 2014 8:03 a.m. PST |
A single edged razor blade works very well for cutting figs off the sprue. link Easy enough to find at any hardware store |
Skeptic | 22 Feb 2014 8:08 a.m. PST |
How about side-cutters, as used to remove the parts for hard plastic kits? With X-acto knives, I always used to find that the base would sometimes slope as the figure's legs bent, so that the blade could easily slip and/or cut where it shouldn't. |
ArchitectsofWar | 22 Feb 2014 8:14 a.m. PST |
I find these indispensable and well worth the price: link Mine have lasted now for several years. Just don't use them on anything BUT plastic. |
x42brown | 22 Feb 2014 8:22 a.m. PST |
A combination of side cutters and scalpel would be my choice. Side cutters for the bulk of the work with the scalpel handy for anything awkward. I have small rather neat side cutter meant for electronic work that I find does a neater job than the ones sold for plastic kits (it was also cheaper). If you have to buy one it might be worth looking in an electronic hobby shop rather than one for plastic kits. x42 |
John Leahy | 22 Feb 2014 8:26 a.m. PST |
Simple sprue cutters work perfectly. I have been using them for 15 years and wish I knew of them before that. Squadron carries them. |
Mako11 | 22 Feb 2014 9:50 a.m. PST |
Xuron Sprue Cutters will work. Usually sold in model railroad hobby shops, and better model shops. |
The Monstrous Jake | 22 Feb 2014 12:01 p.m. PST |
I usually use a spare set of nail clippers for most plastic, side-cutters for the trickier pieces, and carefully trim with a sharp X-Acto knife. |
CPBelt | 22 Feb 2014 1:56 p.m. PST |
I was going to mention the xuron cutter as well. It creates zero flash when cutting. No trimming needed. An amazing tool. Micromark had been selling them also. |
John Armatys | 22 Feb 2014 2:46 p.m. PST |
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bobspruster | 22 Feb 2014 6:53 p.m. PST |
I'm in the same camp with Monstrous Joe. I keep some cheap wire cutters handy (found in the fake floral department of a craft store) as well as an Xacto knife with a number 11 blade and finger nail trimmers. If you encounter StreletsR sprues, make gross cuts with heavy wire cutters, then work with the smaller tools. Bob |
Who asked this joker | 22 Feb 2014 7:25 p.m. PST |
Spru cutters. GW has some for about $20. USD You can get some flush cut cutter from an electronics store. |
rustymusket | 23 Feb 2014 3:00 p.m. PST |
Thank you, all, very much! I did not realize what was available. |
Crusoe the Painter | 26 Feb 2014 1:45 p.m. PST |
Sorry for flogging these :) link link They both work great for smoothly cutting plastics from sprues. Especially useful for small/thin parts where even a Xuron side cutter might bend or mush it in the act of cutting. |
Ethanjt21 | 11 Mar 2014 6:30 p.m. PST |
floral wire cutters from dollar tree for, you guessed it. A dollar. Never failed me, if a little lump gets left just open it (like scissors) and use one blade to scrape it off. Easy and mine have been going for years. A buck. No fuss no muss. |