I currently own the Squadron scribing tool. I find it works well when scribing straight lines. But when it comes to doing round scribing the head design seems to make scribing circles a bit difficult. I have also tried the sewing needle in a pin vise method, but it seems akward in my hands to use. So I am wondering what others like to use for scribing circles and curves.
Brian
Have you tried using templates to scribe circles and so on? They really make it easier than trying to do them freehand. You can find a variety of them with different shapes in any office supply or craft store. Also, aftermarket manufacturer Verlinden makes flexible metal templates in 1/32, 1/48, and 1/72 scales that assist in scribing a variety of shapes that are specific to aircraft. Eduard even makes templates for specific kits. Sprue Bros. carries both Verlinden and Eduard stuff.
Whether using a template or not, I’ve found a needle chucked in a pin vise the easiest to control for doing circles, since it has a finer tip than most scribing tools. For me the trick is to make a very light first pass, then applying increasingly greater pressure to deepen the scribed line. I then use a conventional scribing tool if I want to deepen the line further. Like anything else, it takes practice.
Another scriber worth mentioning is the one made by UMM. It’s primarily intended for scribing, but it’s design allows for a variety of tasks:
http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/popup_image.php?pID=474&osCsid=a704e977de035bd00268fdd63fb3beeb
Great tool.
Yes I have templates I use. I like the looks of the UMM tool. May have to give that a try!
Brian
batai37 said it spot on. I use a pin type scriber, not quite as thin as a needle, but good idea. I’ll give that a go next time. Also The UMM is a great scriber- wish it was a little bigger though. With templates and some masking tape, you should be set.
Cheers-Leo