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peteski

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Posts posted by peteski

  1. Thanks for that, never heard of it before so I was way off the mark. Basically what we call in England a felt pen, or marker pen, and when shaped a calligraphy pen. I use one that has a .2mm tip, for some reason I have never looked up it is sold as a radiography pen. Comes in handy for marking saw lines etc ?

    We also have felt-tip pens or markers and calligraphy pens in USA. But those usually use water-soluble inks.  Sharpie is a felt-tip pen (comes in several sizes) but the ink is permanent (waterproof).  I wonder if the radiography pen uses waterproof ink?

  2. Thanks Bill - it is good to hear from an actual user of the system. The other possible problem is the resolution. I make decals mostly for N-scale model trains (1:160 scale). Some of the lettering can be really small (where the letters are about 0.015" high). I'm not sure if that system is capable of such fine resolution. Plus it really is quite messy when compared to Alps. But as I said, if that is the only viable (and affordable) option, then go for it.

  3. Actually, I misunderstood your post Bill. Not sure what I was thinking. I thought you were using the abrasive powder to scuff the shiny "chrome" finish to dull it down making it look like cast or brushed aluminum. But now I just re-read your post and you are scuffing the surface for the metalized paint to adhere better.  That makes sense. I also agree that in some rare instances it might be possible that the masking tape might peel up the "chrome" finish.

  4. The massacre in a Texas church this morning. What is this world coming too, where no one is SAFE anywhere?

    Unfortunately no - no place is safe or sacred anymore.  That is why many Americans yearn to go back to the good ol' days.  But the Pandora's box has been open and we cannot put things back to the way they were.  Going to my workshop and working on models (and listening to the music of my choice) makes me forget about the outside world for a while.

  5. And because I'm anal, I just want to mention that the "chrome" on plastic parts is actually vacuum-deposited aluminum. It is applied over glossy clear coat and it is only few atoms thick, so it looks like highly polished aluminum (which is a good substitute for chrome).  But also because it is so thin (especially if it is not coated with a layer clear lacquer during manufacturing) it is very fragile, so by rubbing abrasive on it you are risking removing the thin layer of metal, exposing the plastic.

    I have used Testors Dullcote for dulling the look of "chrome" and I have never experienced any bad effects.  But there are also water-based satin or flat clears which should be very safe over the "chrome".

  6. I've been searching out companies that make and sell strictly wire. One of them being here.

    This one is just  a directory but i searched for .012 diameter wire and came up with a bunch of manufacturers and distributors. These are probably the places aftermarket guys buy their wire. They more than likely wouldn't sell you 3 feet at a time, you'd probably have to buy a spool but basic hookup wire probably wouldn't be that expensive as opposed to basic braided wire. that would probably be a little more expensive. Nothing says you cant sell a few feet here and there though.

    Of course the aftermarket guys buy the stuff in bulk from wire manufacturers or distributors.  They often do not deal with individuals.  Also remember that if you have the wire diameter, that is not the outside dimension of the insulation.

  7. As an Alps MicroDry printer owner and a member of couple of Alps groups online I have been aware of DecalProFX system for several years. Alps owners have been looking for something to replace our aging Alps printers. From what we determined This system is quite cumbersome to set up and nowhere near the capabilities of Alps. Not something we found as a viable replacement for Alps printers. But I guess if someone starts fresh, it might be a viable option.

    Their website is a pain in the butt to navigate, but watch all the related tutorial and videos to see if this is something you want to use.

    Yes, dry transfers have been around for decades and used for hobby markings.  I have used them myself too.  I have also applied dry transfers to clear decal film and than applied them to the model as a decal.  It is often easier to do that then trying to rub the try transfer directly on a uneven surface of a model.

  8. Jeroen PM'd me the link to that Revell stripper. Thanks Jeroen! https://www.revell.de/en/products/colors-glue-co/other-accessories/id/39617.html

    The active ingredient is 1-Methoxy-2-propanol which I believe is a chemical similar to what is used in the Testors Easy Lift-Off (ELO) paint remover: Dipropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Isobutanol.  Still, too bad it is not available in USA so I could try to see how it works.

     

  9.  

    @Snake above...lol.  I've even thought about installing Win98SE just for the interent.  (Don't know if it would work though).

    No, Win98SE will not do anymore. Basically none of the browser versions which will install on Win98SE will properly render most of the contemporary websites. Time marches on and web designers keep updating things just for the sake of doing it without backward compatibility.  How do I know? I still run Win98SE on a PC that runs my Alps printer. I have the latest version if SeaMonkey (that supports Win98) installed and it has issues dealing with most web pages.

    But I still suggest taking the SeaMonkey browser for a test drive - the name is funny, but the browser is very good.

    https://www.seamonkey-project.org/

  10. Orange peel is cause by the solvent evaporating too quickly not giving the paint chance to flow and level out on the painted surface. I'm surprised that acetone works well for you. Not only it is a "hot" solvent which will attach styrene, it also evaporates very quickly. That is a recipe for orange peel. The solvents designed for specific enamels or lacquers are a blend of solvents which have slower evaporation rate.  That is doen to prevent orange peel and to allow the paint to level out.

     

    In the 1:1 car world, thinners are called "reducers". They can actually be purchased in different temperature grades: Hot, medium, or cold. Those designate in which ambient temperature they are to be used. Each has a different blend of various solvents which determine the evaporation rate.  The hot solvent has the slowest evaporation rate. It is used when the ambient temperature is hot.  Cold reducer is for use in cold ambient temperatures and it evaporates fast. The combination of the ambient temperature and the appropriate solvent results in optimal results.

  11. I use Revell's Paint remover, works like a charm! i must say so far ive only used Revell's own aqua color, and tamiya spray cans, works on both!

    I don't recall seeing it in USA. I wonder if it is similar to the Testors/Floquil/Poly-Scale Easy Lift-Off paint remover.  Are its ingredients listed on the bottle/can?

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