cutting a canopy
12-02-2004, 10:12 AM
#2
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RE: cutting a canopy
Bob,
I feel your pain. I struggle with cutting the canopy on every build. Couple things have worked for me. I try to use a straight edge and sharp exto whenever possible i.e. straight lines. I purchased a pair of curved scisors a while back and the work well for corners. I think they are for cutting out car bodies. I also found a little sanding stick (also from the side of the hobby) with a flat side and a rounded side which helps smooth out the edges.
Good luck,
Kent
I feel your pain. I struggle with cutting the canopy on every build. Couple things have worked for me. I try to use a straight edge and sharp exto whenever possible i.e. straight lines. I purchased a pair of curved scisors a while back and the work well for corners. I think they are for cutting out car bodies. I also found a little sanding stick (also from the side of the hobby) with a flat side and a rounded side which helps smooth out the edges.
Good luck,
Kent
12-02-2004, 10:47 AM
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RE: cutting a canopy
Rough cut with scissors. Fine finish with fine sanding drum on dremel on low speed for curved lines, belt sander on very low speed for long straight lines. Use too high a speed and you may cut too much or melt the plastic. Sandpaper taped to building table also works well for straight lines and you don't have to worry about melting the plastic.
Which plane is this? Bring the fuse. & the canopy over tonight and I'll help you out.
Which plane is this? Bring the fuse. & the canopy over tonight and I'll help you out.
12-06-2004, 02:51 AM
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RE: cutting a canopy
Everybody is different.
This is what I find works for me.
I find it difficult to see the cut line molded into most kit canopies.
So I put 1/16 pin stripe tape just above the line with the lower edge where I intend to cut.
This way I can spend a good deal of time adjusting the tape and moving around under the light to see.
When I have the tape just right, I use a very good pair of sharp, (straight) siccors.
I generally build 40 or 60 size kits. Those canopies tend to be large enough and flexible enough to use straight siccors.
I cut right along the lower edge of the tape. Then remove the tape.
This is what I find works for me.
I find it difficult to see the cut line molded into most kit canopies.
So I put 1/16 pin stripe tape just above the line with the lower edge where I intend to cut.
This way I can spend a good deal of time adjusting the tape and moving around under the light to see.
When I have the tape just right, I use a very good pair of sharp, (straight) siccors.
I generally build 40 or 60 size kits. Those canopies tend to be large enough and flexible enough to use straight siccors.
I cut right along the lower edge of the tape. Then remove the tape.
12-06-2004, 04:59 PM
#8
RE: cutting a canopy
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEVT3&P=ML
Best tool I have ever used to cut canopies. I have not messed one up since I bought this tool. If the link doesn't work, go to towerhobbies.com and search lexan scissors. They are the easiest to use ever. No mistakes and no cracked canopies.
Best tool I have ever used to cut canopies. I have not messed one up since I bought this tool. If the link doesn't work, go to towerhobbies.com and search lexan scissors. They are the easiest to use ever. No mistakes and no cracked canopies.
