Tools & Supplies
Discussions on the latest and greatest tools, glues, and gadgets.
Discussions on the latest and greatest tools, glues, and gadgets.
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Your favorite sprue cutter
drewgimpy
Member Since: January 24, 2002
entire network: 835 Posts
KitMaker Network: 350 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 06:09 PM UTC
I am building my first dragon kit and it is teaching me that a good sprue cutter would be a good investment. What sprue cutters have worked the best for you?
metooshelah
#011
Member Since: February 06, 2009
entire network: 1,507 Posts
KitMaker Network: 195 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 08:28 PM UTC
tamyia has great plastic scissors that i use. i also use sometime some sort of fingernails cutter:
which is also great for about everything: removing flash, plastic pins, access plastic, resin cutting and what not
which is also great for about everything: removing flash, plastic pins, access plastic, resin cutting and what not
AussieReg
Associate Editor#007
Member Since: June 09, 2009
entire network: 8,156 Posts
KitMaker Network: 593 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 08:52 PM UTC
I use Penn Fishing Line cutters, from your local tackle store. Generally much cheaper than the branded sprue cutters and very good quality.
MLD
Member Since: July 21, 2002
entire network: 3,569 Posts
KitMaker Network: 684 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 01:07 AM UTC
For larger parts the Xuron sprue cutter. It's of much higher quality than any of the jewelry making tools I've seen in craft stores.
For very small parts the tweezers-style nippers from Micro Mark are amazingly effective.
Mike
For very small parts the tweezers-style nippers from Micro Mark are amazingly effective.
Mike
Delbert
#073
Member Since: October 05, 2002
entire network: 2,659 Posts
KitMaker Network: 865 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 02:01 AM UTC
howdy...
For 80% of my stuff I used the Micro mark Desprucing tweezers....
there happens to be a review here on armorama
for the larger peices I tend to use a testors or xuron sprue cutter...
I'm not the most proficient builder but I've had the Micro-Mark tweezers for 5 years now and they are still going strong..
Delbert
For 80% of my stuff I used the Micro mark Desprucing tweezers....
there happens to be a review here on armorama
for the larger peices I tend to use a testors or xuron sprue cutter...
I'm not the most proficient builder but I've had the Micro-Mark tweezers for 5 years now and they are still going strong..
Delbert
matt
Campaigns AdministratorMember Since: February 28, 2002
entire network: 5,957 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,626 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 03:24 AM UTC
I use the small (5"?) side cutters from Craftsman along with the Xuron side cutters.
Tonyfr
Member Since: June 12, 2009
entire network: 516 Posts
KitMaker Network: 96 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 03:30 AM UTC
This good discussion.
Can the same tools be used for removing PE?
Tony
Can the same tools be used for removing PE?
Tony
HARV
#012
Member Since: November 07, 2003
entire network: 3,098 Posts
KitMaker Network: 899 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 04:30 AM UTC
Here is what I use.
They are cutters from Xcelite, No. 86CG.
They work really well for cutting plastic, photo-etch or just about anything else. I ended up with them in a kind of weird way. I worked at a recycling center years ago and these were in a bag of aluminum cans. Someone had put them in the bag to add more weight. I kept them and have been using them for years. And the best thing about them....they were free!!
HARV
They are cutters from Xcelite, No. 86CG.
They work really well for cutting plastic, photo-etch or just about anything else. I ended up with them in a kind of weird way. I worked at a recycling center years ago and these were in a bag of aluminum cans. Someone had put them in the bag to add more weight. I kept them and have been using them for years. And the best thing about them....they were free!!
HARV
mj
Member Since: March 16, 2002
entire network: 1,331 Posts
KitMaker Network: 334 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 05:16 AM UTC
Quoted Text
howdy...
For 80% of my stuff I used the Micro mark Desprucing tweezers....
there happens to be a review here on armorama
for the larger peices I tend to use a testors or xuron sprue cutter...
I'm not the most proficient builder but I've had the Micro-Mark tweezers for 5 years now and they are still going strong..
Delbert
Couldn't agree more! Been using mine for about 4 years now, and love it. It is also very useful for working with bi-plane and ship rigging.
Cheers,
Mike
SSGToms
Member Since: April 02, 2005
entire network: 3,608 Posts
KitMaker Network: 512 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 12:13 PM UTC
Quoted Text
For larger parts the Xuron sprue cutter. It's of much higher quality than any of the jewelry making tools I've seen in craft stores.
For very small parts the tweezers-style nippers from Micro Mark are amazingly effective.
Mike
Me too. Get these two and you'll never need anything else.
Remember when we were kids and we used to twist the part off the sprue, then bite the nub off? Eeech!
koschrei
Member Since: September 21, 2004
entire network: 147 Posts
KitMaker Network: 12 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 06:50 PM UTC
For me the best one is the Tamiya Sharp Pointed Side Cutter, PN 74035 - not cheap but the best de-spruing tool I have ever found - forged tool steel and worth it.
Konrad
Konrad
HawkeyeV
Member Since: September 20, 2006
entire network: 319 Posts
KitMaker Network: 184 Posts
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 03:16 AM UTC
I prefer the Xuron 2175ET Professional Sprue Cutter for obvious reasons.
http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/2008/11/15/xurons-new-professional-sprue-cutter/
http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/2008/11/15/xurons-new-professional-sprue-cutter/
miteco20
Member Since: June 21, 2009
entire network: 71 Posts
KitMaker Network: 18 Posts
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 05:37 AM UTC
I have to agree with Hawkeye and the rest. Xuron professional sprue cutters are great. Bought one pair and haven't looked back since. They fit easily between parts and make an excellent sharp cut. The flat edge lets you get right up against the part or the tree. For $20 or so they are a great investment.
zapper
Member Since: October 18, 2005
entire network: 745 Posts
KitMaker Network: 10 Posts
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009 - 03:22 AM UTC
Hi guys,
My 2 cents:
Regarding sprue cutters I've always reasoned the thinner the better. Sometimes the distance between the part and the sprue are so small that instead of cutting you are more likely to "push" the two apart resulting in damage. I have never found any cutters that really lived up to this criteria so I "produced" my own. I bought the thinnest cutter I could find in a local DIY store an then gave it a (rather crude) work over in the bench grinder at work. I'm really happy with it and I didn't pay more than 3-4 USD for it.
Cheers,
/E
My 2 cents:
Regarding sprue cutters I've always reasoned the thinner the better. Sometimes the distance between the part and the sprue are so small that instead of cutting you are more likely to "push" the two apart resulting in damage. I have never found any cutters that really lived up to this criteria so I "produced" my own. I bought the thinnest cutter I could find in a local DIY store an then gave it a (rather crude) work over in the bench grinder at work. I'm really happy with it and I didn't pay more than 3-4 USD for it.
Cheers,
/E
Switzersland
Member Since: January 29, 2008
entire network: 196 Posts
KitMaker Network: 105 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 21, 2009 - 11:04 AM UTC
Tamiya (#74035) Sharp Pointed Side Cutter. Super clean cut, and xuron are pretty good too.
Cuhail
Member Since: February 10, 2004
entire network: 2,058 Posts
KitMaker Network: 787 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 21, 2009 - 04:46 PM UTC
I have the Testors (Xuron-style) side cutters. I've had them forever and use them for multiple tasks.
I like 'em!
Cuhail
gator
Vendor
#027
Member Since: April 13, 2005
entire network: 5,422 Posts
KitMaker Network: 146 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 01:24 PM UTC
Tamiya (#74035) Sharp Pointed Side Cutter. Very good cutters.
jakes357
Member Since: May 16, 2002
entire network: 254 Posts
KitMaker Network: 79 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 03:29 PM UTC
hi,
If memory serves the original Xuron sprue cutters were intended to cut model railroad track,like HO stuff so as to give a square cut when butting up the track.I believe they are a little bigger than the ones for plastic.
I still use a pair I bought in Chicago in the early 70's XURO-SHEAR 2175 . Can't beat em.
Jake
If memory serves the original Xuron sprue cutters were intended to cut model railroad track,like HO stuff so as to give a square cut when butting up the track.I believe they are a little bigger than the ones for plastic.
I still use a pair I bought in Chicago in the early 70's XURO-SHEAR 2175 . Can't beat em.
Jake
Tarok
Member Since: July 28, 2004
entire network: 10,889 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,373 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 04:40 PM UTC
I use a set of cutters from Games Workshop / Citadel. It's little different to side cutters from a craft or hardware store, but the grip is comfortable and makes using them a pleasure - and that's how I justify an over priced set of craft side cutters 
For PE, I use a chisel blade, and with the fret placed on a strip of double sided tape (prevents the PE from escaping when freed from the fret) on a sheet of glass, simply press down
For PE, I use a chisel blade, and with the fret placed on a strip of double sided tape (prevents the PE from escaping when freed from the fret) on a sheet of glass, simply press down
drewgimpy
Member Since: January 24, 2002
entire network: 835 Posts
KitMaker Network: 350 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 02:50 PM UTC
Well, I decided to give these a try and LOVE them. There are especially useful for very small parts. Thanks again for all the advice.
Quoted Text
howdy...
For 80% of my stuff I used the Micro mark Desprucing tweezers....
there happens to be a review here on armorama
for the larger peices I tend to use a testors or xuron sprue cutter...
I'm not the most proficient builder but I've had the Micro-Mark tweezers for 5 years now and they are still going strong..
Delbert
mkostic
Member Since: January 09, 2009
entire network: 10 Posts
KitMaker Network: 3 Posts
Posted: Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 06:43 AM UTC
Scalpel is by far the best tool, in my experience. First, i use cheap sprue cutter to remove part from sprue, leaving a piece of sprue gate about 2mm high. Then i use scalpel to SAW off this 2mm piece from part. Sawing action needs to be gentle, and it takes a lot of time (about 1min) to complete sawing. If done correctly, this procedure leaves only slight ridge which is in SAME COLOR SHADE as the part itself. Finally i sand this ridge flush, then polish it.
This may sound like an overkill, but it pays of later because i am getting perfect seams every time.
Cheers,
Misa
This may sound like an overkill, but it pays of later because i am getting perfect seams every time.
Cheers,
Misa
md72
#439
Member Since: November 05, 2005
entire network: 4,950 Posts
KitMaker Network: 564 Posts
Posted: Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 08:26 AM UTC
I use the Testors cutters made by Xuron. I think they work just a little bit better the Fiskars cutters I had. I tend to turn the 'concave' side to the part and actually cut the sprue and not the attachment point. Once it's clear of the sprue I use a curved blade Xacto knife to cut the attachment point off flush with the part.
scimitar67
Member Since: March 12, 2010
entire network: 55 Posts
KitMaker Network: 25 Posts
Posted: Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 12:40 PM UTC
Hi,
I use a pair of Games workshop (I Think?) cutters.
Nice straight edge with a sharp point for the smaller pieces.
Use these to start , then a scalpel and finishing off with a file and/or sand paper.
For P.E it's a scalpel with the parts on a kitchen tile (using a bit of masking tape to stop them flying around!) finishing off with a file/wet & dry paper.
Paul
I use a pair of Games workshop (I Think?) cutters.
Nice straight edge with a sharp point for the smaller pieces.
Use these to start , then a scalpel and finishing off with a file and/or sand paper.
For P.E it's a scalpel with the parts on a kitchen tile (using a bit of masking tape to stop them flying around!) finishing off with a file/wet & dry paper.
Paul
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