Cutting Clear Plastic Parts

[Brian Perris]

Hi all,

Just trying to get an idea about the best way to cut clear parts. Am trying to graph the CE A-10 exhausts on the clear plastic parts that enclose the engines. But to do this I have to cut the last 1/3 of the clear engine enclosure off and also about the last 3rd of the resine engine. Cutting the engine is easy#it's the clear part that I need some advice on! Any ideas????

TIA,

Brian

[William G]

Brian,

When I cut clear styrene plastic I use a very fine X-acto Jewler Saw. If I am trying to make a panel or anything like an open window I carefully lay out the lines using chart-pack tape, and scribe the lines first. If the plastic is thick enough and the opening is large enough I use a carbide bit in my dremel to work out the rough areas and then break out the needle filed and sanding sticks to get the final details.

 

I did that for several Sci-Fi kits I have done in the past.

 

I hope that helps ya a bit.

[Brian Perris]

William,

Thanks for the info#it will be put to good use. Was test fitting all the parts last night and all fit pretty well. Am going to do the cutting and final fitting this weekend.

Thanks again,

Brian

[William G]

Brian,

My pleasure. Let me know how it works out...

One thing that I had to keep telling myself was to watch the cutting, always take into account the kerf of the saw so that you dont come up too short.

My carpentry teacher always said

"Measure Twice and make it a little large, That is why ya gots a hammer boy, so you can knock it into place."

[Brian Perris]

William,

Will do.

Thanks,

Brian