Blackwolf,
I have started scribing my R-M 1/48 F/A-18C using your jewlers file method and I have to say it ROCKS! It’s far easier than I expected and fast. I fashioned a guide from tin foil and put double stick tape on one side, this seems to work really well and is flexable enough to conform to round surfaces but I’m still keep masking tape handy just in case. [:)] I’ll take pics of scribe job and post when done to show off the results.
Thanks again for the advice this really works great!!!
Air Master
Hey man… no problem. Glad it works for you!
I’m looking forward to your progress pics. I don’t recall if you had mentioned it or not, but which squadron are you doing?
Fade to Black…
My bird will be a Navy Bug this time, she will represent VFA-113 Stingers in low-vis. I figured my other F/A-18C ( R-M 1/48) Marine Bug (VMFA-251) needed a wingman. I wanted to do something different this time and learn how to scribe. It had always intimidated me in the past but now I realize just how easy it really is.
Thanks again for your help and your article!
Air Master
Where might one read about this scribing method?
charlie
BlackWolf’s method here:
http://etoclub.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=generalmodeling&action=display&thread=1101157694
Dragging Micro Mark’s little X-Acto-blade-shaped saws work really well for scribing since the long handle can be used as an extremely accurate tiller. Dragging it requires that you carefully tape-off the stopping point because its really easy to go too far.
Of course, a properly sharpened engraving tool (gravure) is the absolute best tool ('cept it only takes 'bout seven lifetimes to master the damn thing).
Phil
Silver,
I just found that a sewing machine needle dragged along the guide is perfect for starting a scribe line and will fit and lock into an X-Acto blade handle. I start with that then follow up with jewelers files and then finally an X-Acto saw blade and I’m getting great results. There is no need to pre-sand if you line up the guide right with the raised panel lines. Sewing machine needle tip also makes perfect indents for rivets too. I’m really amazed at how easy it is.
Blackwolf’s method and a little improvising on my part is making this scribe job look like I’ve been doing it for years and this is actully the first time I’ve ever scribed a model. I’m going to try to get some progress pics posted soon.
Air Master
May I assume you haven’t yet tried anything but straight lines ? Try doing rectangles with rounded edges, ovals & circles. Eventually you’ll have to if you want to rescribe access panels. Suggest you practice on a scrap piece, not a model you want to keep.
Regards, Rick
Actually Rick, I did practice on scrap before I started scribing the model. I’m free hand scribing round and angular access panels with a sewing machine needle locked into an X-Acto handle and it works great. I start slowly with light presure and working the needle around the access panels until I get the depth I want, then follow up with the tip of a jewelers file and so far the results have been good. I should have started doing this years ago. The idea for using a sewing machine needle came from Eddie who suggested using a sewing needle and pin vice. After giving it some thought I went and pulled the needle from my wifes sewing machine, had an extra X-Acto handle and VIOLA instant pin vice. The base of the sewing machine needle is wide and will tighten in place on a X-Acto blade handle with no movement, and it works pretty darn GOOD!
Air Master