CANicoll Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) So kind of taking a poll to see how you all remove parts from sprues - plastic and extending the category to resin and PE as well. I've been using a variety of Xuron cutters over the years to mostly good effect but recently bought (at Nationals) one of those dual sided razor saws and have been using that where and when I can on plastic and resin. I REALLY like it. I've traditionally used nippers but perhaps its the way I use them, but sometimes I end up with a divot out of the part I'm cutting from the sprue esp on wing edges and fuselages. Seems what I do is fine for smaller parts. Hence trying the razor saw (which is a double edge blade held in a handle). Nippers sometimes also tweaks clear plastic so have been increasing trying to use a saw or #11 blade to take those parts off. What do you use? I'm looking to see if there are 'better' ways of doing what I've been doing... Styrene: Xuron nippers (straight, and angled), #11 Xacto blade for very small parts, razor saw (current fav) Clear styrene: double edge razor saw - fine tooth end, #11 blade for small parts, serrated Xacto blade Resin: 6" razor saw for large pours, double edge razor saw, medium tooth for larger parts (seats, etc) serrated Xacto Blade for smaller parts (instrument panels, etc). PE: Rounded Xacto blade (against glass base), Xuron PE clippers (short blade), Xuron PE sissors (my fave at the moment!). Thanks all Chris Edited January 12, 2018 by CANicoll Uncarina and Rick Griewski 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimHepplestone Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Clippers for large parts, (cut far from part through sprue) . No 11 scalpel blade for cleaning up and small parts. I'm a veterinary surgeon so I can buy scalpel blades by the box quite cheaply. No 12 blades for PE and trumpeter razor saw for clear parts. I think most hobby blades are similar to scalpel blades. CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phasephantomphixer Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I use Xuron "Modeler's edition" for kit sprue with thick part of jaw ground thinner. Clear parts saw, then sanding stick. Resin, saw - sand PE - scissors CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I prefer nippers for most parts, but normally take one of Radus saws or a heat a #11 Exacto blade up over a candle to cut more delicate parts. Granger Davis and CANicoll 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaninaustria Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I have a nice pair of Zuron nippers for regular sprues and for clear sprues I like to use Radu's double edged fine tooth razor saw... works a charm! Sure beats the nail clippers I used as a kid!! Cheers Alan CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennismcc Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I usually cut the sprue away from the part using a pair of clippers and then use a saw (RB or similar) to cut off the remaining sprue stub. Cheers Dennis rafju and CANicoll 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzas Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I use Xuron clippers for large parts. I try to clip far from the part to avoid those painful divots. Double sided razor saw (w/o handle) for delicate parts and clear....and resin. Blade for PE. Gaz CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1to1scale Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) Tamiya Sprue nippers are better than ANYTHING I ever used! They cut through plastic like butter. I worked in the electronics industry for years and I used wire nippers for fine work, I used many expensive nippers by many companies, and I honestly have to say that the Tamiya cutters are the sharpest fine cutters I have ever had, I also have serious respect for them and watch where I put my fingers Edited January 13, 2018 by 1to1scale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom2 Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 My trusty Tamiya sprue cutter is the mostly used tool to remove parts, scalpels and sanding sticks for fine clean-up! Stefan CANicoll and Rick Griewski 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Southern Bandit Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Tamiya Sprue nippers are better than ANYTHING! They cut through plastic like butter. What I use too ... it just works! for Resin, different approach of course. CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANicoll Posted January 13, 2018 Author Share Posted January 13, 2018 Good stuff gents! I do like that Radu mini saw. I need to get a few more blades for mine. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiggTim Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 (edited) Nail clippers or Radu razor saw for me. Edited January 13, 2018 by BiggTim CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringleheim Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 I use the high grade nippers from Tamiya, which are lovely. Never cut the piece right where the final cut will be; you need to cut away from the piece itself. Once the part is off the sprue entirely, I then go back and cut the nibs again as flush as I can get it...then finish with sanding, not cutting with a knife. I find it too easy to accidentally gouge the part with a knife during cleanup. CANicoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandiego Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 I guess I am just a caveman.I normally just flex the part off of the sprue. I will use a #11 blade for small parts and clear parts. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Maxim Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 I have been using one of these for years. Used in the electronics industry. I use this and the old no 11 to trim and then sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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