Anyone tried a Hot Knife to cut out bodies?

[Digital Liquid]

I just wanted to see if anyone has tried a hot knife to cut bodies out?

If so, how did the edges turn out? Did you have to go back and trim it w/ scissors or hit it w/ the Dremel?

Did you have any problems w/ it?

Any info would be appreciated.....:mex:

 

[shorty]

i use a Dremel:idea:

 

[robriguez]

sorry i use an exacto knife then smothe everything out with a dremel.

 

[Rolex]

When I first started doing my own bodies, it was big scissors, X-acto knives and dremels. I wondered hot it was possible for people without a dremel or a big pair of scissors to do it. The big scissors were really tough to work with.
I asked at the LHS how he did it and he gave me a scrap of lexan and a pair of lexan shears. Long handles, short cutting edge. Effortless. I think they were $9.00. Can't be without them.
Same as a pair of lopping shears for tree limbs. It's in the leverage.

 

[Digital Liquid]

Yeah, I use the lexan scissors and the dremel to polish off the edges. But on some of the really thick bodies (like .05), the scissors really take a beating (not to mention my fingers). So I was just trying to brainstorm for some other ideas on cutting them.

I found a hot knife on tower for $5, so I will probably order it and see how it goes.

Later...

 

[Rolex]

I haven't used a hotknife, but on occasion I have held the blade of an X-acto knife in the flame of a propane torch. You need to cool the knife in water after a few times, though. Still have to do the finish work with a Dremmel.

 

[militarymaxx]

I also use the lexan cutting scissors, short blades but great handles for lots of leverage just like Rolex said. The only heated thing I use on my bodies is my soldering iron. The iron tip makes a good guide and the larger shaft of the iron makes a perfect sized hole for the antenna and the holes for the body posts. Do it quickly, in and out, as lexan will melt away like butter.

 

[olds97_lss]

I use exacto to score it, then bend and snap.