Trimming

[Dewback Jockey]

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

[FIVE]

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.

[Dewback Jockey]

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

[DirtyBoy]

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.

[Dewback Jockey]

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.

[FIVE]

You can get them at fabric or hobby stores sometimes.

[Robbie]

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?

[ground pounder]

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.

[iconoclasta_88]

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

[Robbie]

Thanks. I started trimming some of the pieces last night. I am going to continue today I'm taking it slow and easy.