I just created a styrene template, for a 1:35 Sherman. My question is, would anybody be interested in purchasing wheel masks for $1.50? Basically, you send me one roadwheel, I cut the mask(s) and return them with the road wheel. Each mask cut would be $1.50, but I don't see any reason for needing more than one. Being styrene, you can keep a reuse it as many times as you like.

No takers ? I have done something like your idea , for painting the panzer IV wheels , how do you cut the openings ?

I use a circle cutter and sandpaper. I have a few takes, from other sites.

It's not as easy as it sounds to do .

No, it isn't. One mask can take me up to thirty minutes. Measure, check, measure, check.

I'm sorry, but is this ^^^ a joke? I seriously can't tell.

Because I can buy a drawing circle template from Amazon and a roll of masking tape, and have masks for dozens of different sized wheels. For a lot less than $1.50 (plus postage) per model.

So which of us is the joke on?

Why is it a joke ? There is a company called Quickwheel that sells individual wheel templates for diffrent vehicles,so apparently there is a market out there.Just because you can do it doesn't mean that others might not be interested.Its like any item,if your not interested,you just move on,no need to disparage his offer,just don't buy it.

And these wheel templates are reusable .

So is a drawing circle template. Plus you get multiple sizes that will fit many different wheels, not just one.

. OK , So do you recommend then that everybody run out and get circle templates then ?

Well, yes. $5.49 at Office Depot . Made out of a plastic that is more solvent resistant than styrene. Should last a lifetime, but at that price, what the heck, replace it every year if you have to. And you wouldn't have to wait two-four weeks to get your wheel back...

Jim

We all have our own preferences and human nature dictates that our own is the best . What works for one individual does not work for everyone . That's just the human in us , that's why we are individuals . Unless you are a Borg and part of the collective .

So, you cut your masks out of styrene and don't have to buy a circle cutter or stencil?

I must also note that, having purchased two, templates often do not have the exact size circle you need.

. That does not matter , they can always make the opening larger . I know exactly what you mean . Just take a set of calipers and measure the rim of the panzer IV and then convert it to 1/35 scale and see what it comes out to . And there's no template for that size .

You know what Dudes? At $1.50, it doesn't look like like Matt is looking to scalp anyone on this. If you don't want to but it, fine. No one is forcing you. As unbelievable as it sounds, there are dudes out there who can't even figure out how to use a mask, let alone make one. Yes, about a month ago, posted right here on Armorama. Seems like a buck fitty a pop is not a lot.
Matt, the only improvemnt I would suggest is to make them out of brass shim. It's thinner, allowing paint onto to front edge of the rubber, resistant to all cleaners, and yeah, I'd charge more for them. I used brass back when I did an assload of MLRS kits for Lockheed Martin, and it is definitely the way to go.

Alliance modelworks and even voyager puts out a set of wheel mask in PE and they are way harder to work with than plastic card stock . The plastic if needed can be built up in thickness to hold the wheel .

Not PE. Brass shim. Thick enough to be rigid, then chamfered to an almost razor sharp edge inside. Very thin where it needs to be, and strong enough to last. Trust me, I've used it this way.

So, buy a template and modify it? Have fun with that.

Basically, I'm offering to do all of the work for $1.50.

Seems like you just hit a nerve and they don't like plastic stock for the wheel mask . OK guys show us some of your work .

So paint the tire first then the rims ?

Yes, you paint the tire, first.

Know what, it doesn't matter if someone is trying to do something like this... This is essentially how ALL the businesses in our hobby got their start. Someone though they would want to make something to improve the hobby and they set about to do it. Whether it was to go make a wheel mask or a better way to detail a kit or whatever. This is how they started. From Dragon all the way down to lowliest garage resin maker. If you wouldn't rag on them, you shouldn't rag on someone else who also has this idea. He's doing it for us. He is willing to spend his time and energy to make something for us to use. And he's asking barely anything for it. Plus, it's on demand! What if you have a not-so well kitted kit and you need a mask but there's no mass-produced one around? Cut him some slack.

On that note, because I do have a helluva time trying to mask off wheels, I would like to order one. Any chance of seeing brass masks in the future?