Dewback Jockey Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Ok I just got my new TE kit but it needs to be trimmed. This is the first time I have had to trim a kit before. I asked Matt what he thought the best method was and he said xacto knife score and snap. but it seems that the plastic is a bit to thick for this kind of method and I tried a dremel cutting tool but that seemed to be rigorous. Just wondering what method the folks with a little more expertise with this stuff is using. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Is it ABS? Regardless, scoring and snapping (I'd use a box cutter) is a good way to do it for sure. The best way to get the "bulk" off though is with a pair of curved lexan scissors. Like these. Cut with the curve going "outward" and you'll fly through your initial trimming. Then you can use the Dremel or X-acto, or whatever to do fine tuning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dewback Jockey Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 Is it ABS? Regardless, scoring and snapping (I'd use a box cutter) is a good way to do it for sure. The best way to get the "bulk" off though is with a pair of curved lexan scissors. Like these. Cut with the curve going "outward" and you'll fly through your initial trimming. Then you can use the Dremel or X-acto, or whatever to do fine tuning. Thanks it's the fine tune that needs to be removed - I think the box knife is a better way to go those x-acto's r just so thin and break easy - I will try that and sand with the dremel Thanks Bluey PS yes it is abs - I will also get some of them there snippers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 one of the best tools i purchased for armor building is a stationary belt sander. with a little bit of practice and some fine grit belts, you can do wonders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dewback Jockey Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 Well I got myself a better box knife and it seemed to be working much better than before with the score and snap method - I couldnt find the snippers like in the post but I found some all purpose ones that seem to work ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 You can get them at fabric or hobby stores sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I tried using some sharp, sharp scissors but it is leaving some uneven edges and will probably need some sanding. is there any easier way on trimming? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ground pounder Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I tried using some sharp, sharp scissors but it is leaving some uneven edges and will probably need some sanding. is there any easier way on trimming? I bought a pair of scissors from Home Depot that are used for cutting vinyl/plastic siding. They cut through HIPS and ABS very easy, straight lines only. I use a small pair of scissors (like the one Bluey posted above) for cutting all the curved parts. Regardless of which tool I use I always follow up with sanding - I found that files work the best for rough edges, especially a curved sided filed which works wonders on curved parts. Then I use sand paper for the finishing to knock the hard edges off. Every time I do that, I put the pieces together and see if they fit nicely - if they don't I mark the areas that need to be removed and then trim that area (cut, filed or sanded). I think it is rather easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iconoclasta_88 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I use a combination of all techniques, depending on the piece to trim: -Scissors -score and snap with a box cutter -direct cut off with an x-acto knife -sand with files -sand with sandpaper The only thing I dont like except for drilling, is using the dremmel. But if doesn't matter what tool and technique you end up using, I would always recommend sanding the edge of the piece. Saludos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Thanks. I started trimming some of the pieces last night. I am going to continue today I'm taking it slow and easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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