So far in my young modeling hobby I’ve been able to avoid rescribing panel lines. There was probably a time or two I should have but didn’t. On my current build I think it’s necessary. The F4F Wildcat has panel lines that wrap around the completed fuselage. So, can anyone recommend a good tool? I’m willing to spend a dollar or two more on quality tools. Also,any tips for a first timer?
Thanks
I just got a MRP SC2 scriber made by Mr. Paint and I love the thing. Granted, I’m pretty new at scribing myself, but it did a fine job of cleaning up the wing root panel lines on my F-16CJ. The only advice I have to offer, which I just found out myself, is to use extremely light pressure on the tool and let it do the cutting on its own. Too much pressure will cause it to slip and stick, which results in kind of a jagged line with uneven depth. I haven’t done anything too complex yet, just mostly straight lines. For straight lines a necessity is a few rolls of Dymo label tape. It makes a great, flexible straight edge that stays in place right where you want it.
Dymo tape is that thick stuff I see in scribing YouTube videos? Where did you get the SC2?
I’d reccommend vinyl tape by 3M instead of Dymo tape. Its thicker so you will have fewer slips and it can go around curves.
Got the SC2 at Spruebrothers.
Thanks Eagle. Ill get one.
I use Dymo tape (used in the old-style label makers), with no problems, but that’s not to say there aren’t other products. I got mine from Staples, online.
To scribe, I use a fine sewing needle, sometimes chucked in a pin vise, sometimes just held free-hand. I’ve also used the corner or tip of a fine razor saw.
Eaglecash’s advice about pressure is true of any scribing tool, or any cutting tool, and not just in our hobby, but in the workshop or in the kitchen. That’s why you want your cutting tool-whether knife, saw, or scriber-to be as sharp as you can get it. A dull blade means you apply more force to cut, and that makes it more likely that you’ll slip and damage the work and yourself.
Thanks Baron. My hobby knife of choice is the Olfa cushion grip. Blades are cheap and I replace them often. A year into this hobby and no cuts so far. Of course the jinx is on and tonight you can count on me cutting my fingers off.
There are a zillion vinyl tapes made by 3M. Can you please give us a specific name, part number, etc.?
Bob
Is he maybe talking about 471 tape?
Anyone know what those Tamiya scribing tools just advertised in FSM go for?
The packaging says 3M Vinyl Tape 471. The product number is PN 92385. Mine is blue…I don’t know if they have other colors or if it even matters. I have a roll of the .125 in (3.17mm) width.
Here’s an example: http://www.melomotive.com/~21239
It great for masking around curves, too. You can cut it into norrow strips and mask complex curves like aircraft canopies.
Tamiya sells their own vinyl tape, too. Of course, it is more expensive.
I’ve got some 471 tape that I use for masking (we use it where I work for masking around antennas when we seal them on 1:1 aircraft). Never thought of trying it for scribing, but I’ll definitely have to try it some time! Heh…can’t use the roll I’ve got for masking anymore, since I didn’t figure out in the beginning that you need to keep it sealed in a bag when you have furry critters running around. It’ll probably still be just fine for scribing though, and the adhesive on it isn’t as aggressive as the Dymo tape, which is a good thing in a lot of cases.
Ah yes… The old “fine line” tape. Available in several widths. Used to be a pale green. Can get at any auto paint supplier or big parts house. Norton makes a comparable item, though it stretches more.
Leaves a clean sharp edge when used as masking for paint too, just pull back on itself.