cutting open doors

[stulee11]

hi everyone i have just seen a video on youtube about using cotton thread to open the doors on model kits has anyone done this if so would they recomend doing it that way or using the back side of a blade ??

Edited October 15, 2011 by stulee11

[Dr. Cranky]

I've seen that, but I still do it old school, using the back of a hobby blade.

[stulee11]

the only reason i ask is cuz i am a tiny bit clumsey and tiny in the massive sence lol and i would end up a few digits short lol

[59 Impala]

Well Virgil, the thread way is also old school. I know, cause I used to do it that way back in the early 60's and I'm a little old to boot. I don't do it that way now though. Stuart, is there a link to this video? I'd like to see it. Dan

[Eshaver]

Anyone here use a tool called an X-acto hot hobby knife in the early sixties ? Now that IS OLD School ! Ed Shaver

[59 Impala]

Anyone here use a tool called an X-acto hot hobby knife in the early sixties ? Now that IS OLD School ! Ed Shaver

You talkin bout the one that Auto World sold Ed? I always wanted one of those but didn't have the money and I ended up using the thread instead. Dan

[MicroNitro]

what is the link to the youtube video?

[stulee11]

thats the link if it works lol

[Eshaver]

Dan, I still have one too. Personally, it is not a good tool to use as it creates too large a gap in the panel lines .I just keep it around along with a few other pieces of nostalgia............. Ed Shaver

[Guest Johnny]

Anyone here use a tool called an X-acto hot hobby knife in the early sixties ? Now that IS OLD School ! Ed Shaver

I didn't bleed as much using that one!

[59 Impala]

Well, I guess that it's better that I never got one then, cause I would have destroyed a bunch of models back then. :lol: Dan

[Jeff Johnston]

interesting though I think I'll stick with the blade

[stulee11]

thanks for all ur tips i think i will try the thread first to see how i go then might progress up to the blade i like my fingers for now lol

[disabled modeler]

Ed...I remember the old hot knifes...basically a knife blade in a soldering iron... didn't like the results from them.

Never heard of using thread before.

Edited October 16, 2011 by disabled modeler

[Lunajammer]

I saw the thread technique demonstrated at a club meeting. It was so efficient, precise and the cut line was very fine, very little plastic lost. The BIG trick though, is how to best secure your car without damage while yanking on the thread hard enough to cut plastic.

[Brett Barrow]

A Flex-i-file frame works well as a makeshift thread saw. I've used the string sold for rotary valves on brass musical instruments (I was a bass trombonist, french horns have them too, you can find it at a music store that sells and services band instruments). Unwaxed dental floss will work, I've used that too. I would think that Spiderwire would work - I've heard of it being used on rotary valves instead of the string like I had, so it must be just as strong.