The pair of sprue cutters I have are these red handled ones sold under the Squadron brand name. Yesterday I noticed something. Now, I have been getting less than spectacular cuts from the sprue cutters, but being new to using sprue cutters I just assumed it was just normal…I mean to say it is still produces a better cut than tearing it off the tree obviously (which I would never do), and is easier than using an xacto blade, but still the cut is not too great. Well, I noticed yesterday that the cutting jaws do not sit flush to each other. What I mean is, when you squeeze the handles to close the jaws you can see and feel where one side sits lower than the other. It is obviously noticable and perhaps a couple to few thousands of an inch of offset there. Could this be the cause of the less than desireably cuts? If so what are a good reccomendation for replacements? I hear good things about Xuron, and in the Armor section Doog mentioned MicroMark tweezer nippers. Or do I even need to replace the sprue cutters at all?
Get yourself a pair of the new Xuron 2175ET Professional Sprue Cutters. They are now being shipped to distributors and dealers. Sprue Brothers is accepting preorders. I also have some coming to add to my catalog. I’ve had the opportunity to read the reviews being written by several sources in the hobby…haven’t read a bad one yet. Does my ego good! [#toast]
Well, that settles it. A new pair it is. Those Xurons look great! Looking closer at the pair I have now it seems like the rivet has loosened or was not staked properly to begin with and allows the jaws to move ever so slightly. So into the junk bin they go…
What’s the difference between the 2175A/B/F and the new 2175ET? Xuron’s website doesn’t show the ET, and the place I’d order from doesn’t have the new ET, but has a 2175A. Any ideas?
First…Drum roll please…This is my 2000th post! [#toast]
The A/B/F are for cutting metals…such as track and wire. They have a much “thicker” jaw, not made for delicate work but more for brute strength…like cutting track clean and square. Xuron assigned the model number based on the raw “frame” being used for the finished product. In this case they used the same raw frame as the other 2175 family members, but performed a very different grinding and machining process to get the end result. This raw component commonality helps reduce production costs.
Our next project will be a bit more aggresive, something totally new. Thus it will have significant development costs too, so the price will be slightly higher. Can’t tell you what it is yet…if I did I’d have to [X-)] and [V] it isn’t pretty. [;)]
Xuron is working on a new and updated website. I’ll mention that people are looking for information on the new cutter at their site…maybe we can get a page up specifically for it in the interim.
As soon as Sprue Bros sent me a in stock notice I ordered mine and have been useing them to build the DML Early Jagdpanther.
They are about a 1/3rd larger than my older pair. I love the sharper longer reach of the point,it sure makes it easier to nip off those smaller injection nibs.
I still find myself picking up the older pair maybe from habit or it’s the larger size of the new set that i’m just not use to. The jury is still out as to weather they cut closer and smoother than my older pair.
Using any sprue cutting pliers causes some distortion of the plastic as it squeezes/slices through the pour stub. If you try to cut right up against the finish part, this distortion can extend into that part. I always cut about 1/16 inch away and then trim the remaining tiny stub with a SHARP X-Acto blade.
I second the Tamiya cutter for flush cutting. Most of the time one needs not even trim the part. BUT…
Mine are shot. Only lasted about 50 models. I religiously only cut sprue gates with them, not even plain sprue. No wire either. I have a second pair of side cutters I use for sprue and wire. For $22 they should have lasted longer. And I never cared for the rather fat tip. Made it hard to get to many parts and I had to cut the tree apart to access the part properly.
The new Xuron cutter works much better. Longer and finer tip gets into those rediculous Dragon sprues. Sharp as can be. Bigger for better grip and control. If I had a complaint it would be that they don’t flush cut. As it is, I cut then trim now. I’ll take all the benefits over the flush cut thing any day.
I just got a pair and love them very sharp nice cuts on the sprue.I have another pair of Xurons that gotta be 10 years old that are just getting dull I love the design of these so much better.Plus they come with a small rubber protector for the blades witch is nice. the pliers feel better than the expensive Snap On tools I use for working on cars…
