Scribing tools - What do you use and like

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

I’m looking for advise on a good scribing tool. I’m currently using a small sewing needle chucked into a pin vise. It works, but I’d appreciate info on what works consistently and well.

Thanks,

Tom Watkins

2

I have several, but the Tamiya scriber is easily my favorite. Used with Dymo tape as a guide it works perfectly.

3

Thanks, I appreciate the information. I’ve just heard about Dymo tape but haven’t tried it yet. I’ll give it a try too.

Tom

4

I’ve been using a needle in a pin vise for over 20 years. Haven’t found any commercial tool that works better.

5

Although I have a couple two or three different tools the UMM-USA scribing tool works very well. Yet, I too use a needle in a pin vice and the back side of an xacto blade.

6

Hi Tom ;I may be able to help.There is a discount tool ouitfit called princes auto,the place is like a candy store to any modeler,just for example,the tools your after,If I’ not mistaken are dental picks,my set of 8 different were less than $10,and the’ve even got bigger sets.You have to look around the store for awhile ,but this place is a treasuretrove for us,and really good prices.Just google princesauto Monton and it’ll give you some very economical choices on a lot of useful items.I hope this helps,it’s my first time trying to give useful advise.

Herr Flick (aka Dana Bartlett)

7

Thanks to all for the info and opinions. I appreciate them.

Tom

8

we had a guy at a meeting rave about the UMM 001 scriber so much we ordered 6. i got one and i don’t do airplanes.

9

That’s one I haven’t heard of before. I’ll take a look at it.

Thanks,

Tom

10

I used the pin vise/needle for awhile, but I found some scriber refill tips for cheap at the LHS, and now I’m using them in the pin vise. I think it was the same folks who make the Flex-i-file.

Glenn

11

I’ve seen those advertised. They are flex-i-file. Thanks for the info.

Tom

12

The backside of an exacto knife blade will work for deepening pre-existing panel lines. But I’ve never tried making my own panel lines with it. But it is convenient since it is something we all probably have within reach.

13

I’ve done that and it works well. Not sure how it would do for making new panel lines.

Thanks,

Tom

14

I’ve got both of the UMM scribers, and they work perfectly. The old school dental picks worked well for pre-existing lines, but were a nightmare when it came to scribing new lines. I don’t have that issue any long er with the UMM’s. They’ve got a rounded end one, and a straight edge one, and both have their own purposes depending on what sort of contour you’re trying to negotiate, but they make very quick, and clean work of scribing lines. I still use the pin in the vice for rounded panels and such if I need those, but 90" of lines on most models are straight, so this is the ideal choice.