Re: separating etched metal parts fr. fret

Yes - that's a handy trick...though I find I end up bending the part more often than not trying to get it off the tape. Probably because I should try a different brand of tape with lower tack...

What I end up doing is to hold the #17 blade (blade only, no handle) between my thumb and forefinger - which allows me to rest my thumb on the part. I'll add that I always place the non-ground side of the blade toward the part, and the ground side of the edge toward the fret...thus my thumb on the part keeps it from launching, and the fret side is usually large enough that if it does travel, it doesn't move very far.


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     - Rufus

Art Murray wrote: 
Rufus covered the subject very well.  I only add the following:

I use double sided tape to place on top of my cutting surface, a piece of glazed ceramic tile. I then stick the PE fret onto the tape. This does two things: (1) prevents the dreaded "part launcher effect" that often occurs when cutting on a hard surface endangering your eyes (wear eye protection anyway). (2) gives a bit of cushion for the cutting edge of whatever instrument you use thus prolonging the useful life of it.

Art

"Rufus" <srollin2@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:O_Jif.578603$x96.561048@xxxxxxxxxxxx

Ingo wrote:

is "fret" the right word for the frame holding the etched parts..?

I am interested in your methods of removing the parts from the frame.
up to now I still use my NT-cutter for the job, often breaking off the
tip of the blade.
Not very satisying....tried small scissors - quite tricky..
Any input is appreciated.
Ingo


To re-post myself...:

I've been cutting and bending etched parts for years, and I find my most useful tools for working with etched parts to be needle files, two single edged razor blades, a #17 X-Acto blade, an X-Acto hobby hammer, and a scrap of 1/4" plexiglass ***.

The plexiglass *** is a good, flat, hard surface for bending and striking against. The "striking" I refer to is where the hammer and the #17 blade come in - a metalsmithing technique. You can squarely align the chisel shaped blade at the very edge of the metal "sprue" and give it a tap or two with the hammer - you can make very precise cuts this way to seperate parts from the fret, and also trim parts after they are free. The plexi is just hard enough to back the strike, but flexible enough not to shatter under it.

As for bending, I use the "two razor blade method" for even the smallest of parts. Once the part is free and trimmed, on that same flat plexi surface - hold the part down along the desired fold line with one razor blade. Then slip a second razor blade under the part to raise it to the desired angle. Done...cheap. Another way is to look around your bench until you find an object which will make a good form for the bend - as an example, the cap from the bottle of CA I use is the perfect radius for forming the backs of 1/48 Eduard etched WWII cockpit seats.

For adhesives, I use both thick CA glue and watch crystal cement. I find that watch crystal cement works well for small parts there a thicker glue with a bit more working time is required. It also works well on larger flat joins. The black thick CA "tire cement" also works well with etched parts - I presume because it has a flexing agent in it...but I won't swear to that.

I paint my etched parts just like any plastic part - I use enamels exclusively. One thing to note is that you will need to attach the etched parts directly to the bare plastic for best result...if you attach them over a painted surface they will merely peel off with the paint. So you need to plan them into your assembly and then paint the assembly in accordance. Some people also wash and/or prime thier etched parts - I do niether and that works fine for me with enamels.

Hope all that helps ya...

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- Rufus 



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