Wheel wells

[NitroNewb]

When cutting out the wheel wells, can it be done PERFECTLY with the curved scissors or do I need a circle cutter? We are getting the Cuda ready.

 

[robmob]

Usually it gets a little choppy using curved scissors. Especially if the body is thick. It can be easily cleaned up with a dremel though.

I use a circle cutter to score the wheel well into the body. I then use the scissors to make pie section cuts up to the score line and snap the section off. Works extremely well and most of the time does not require any dremel cleanup as long as you don't go beyond the score line with your pie cuts.

 

[Cupooterluvr]

If you go slow and only do a little (about 1/4 inch) at a time you should be able to do it perfectly. Draw a line on it to mark where you cut though to help with the circle.

Whoops, looks like RobMob beat me to it.

 

[NCNitro]

I always just cut mine close with the scissors, then I do the close trimming with a sanding drum on my dremel.

 

[NitroNewb]

Usually it gets a little choppy using curved scissors. Especially if the body is thick. It can be easily cleaned up with a dremel though.

I use a circle cutter to score the wheel well into the body. I then use the scissors to make pie section cuts up to the score line and snap the section off. Works extremely well and most of the time does not require any dremel cleanup as long as you don't go beyond the score line with your pie cuts.

Is one circle cutter better than another? Got a link for me? I don't have a Dremel to clean up so it's either a circle cutter or a Dremel. Will a Dremel be required to do a good job??

 

[robmob]

Hobbico has a circle cutter which is basically the same as the one by Olfa.

Any craft store or even a fabric store should have one.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHEA0&P=7

A Dremel or any brand rotary tool is a must have. Not just for RC use either. There isn't a week that goes by that I don't use one for something. You should consider picking one up.

The right tools make any job easier.

 

[Rolex]

I always just cut mine close with the scissors, then I do the close trimming with a sanding drum on my dremel.

I use the exact same technique. I used to do that with straight edges also, but NCNitro suggested the score and snap, and I've done the last 3 lids that way. It sure saves a lot of time and makes for a perfectly straight line.

 

[Cam]

I use a nosehair trimmer for the wheel wells and a straight scissors on the sides. VERY little dremel work needed. With the smaller scissors, it gives me more control.

 

[Lessen]

I'm a firm believer in the score/snap technique. I cut ALL of my bodies like that and they turn out great. Straight lines are arrow straight and curves are smooth as a baby's butt. No dremel work means zero cleanup. I'm about to do my wifes truck.. maybe I should do a little photo step by step...

 

[robmob]

Same here on the score and snap.

I only use scissors to trim off the lip on the bottom of new body molds.

 

[Lessen]

I don't even cut the lip off. I just use the scissors to make the cuts up to the score line. Lexen scissors are still a must but I don't use them at all in any attempt to cut a permanent edge

 

[NitroNewb]

I'm a firm believer in the score/snap technique. I cut ALL of my bodies like that and they turn out great. Straight lines are arrow straight and curves are smooth as a baby's butt. No dremel work means zero cleanup. I'm about to do my wifes truck.. maybe I should do a little photo step by step...

That would be great! I for one would love to see it.

 

[savagefan04]

+1 on the score and snap
and definitely get a dremel. i use mine from grinding the dogs nails, to RC, minor household repairs. they are well worth the money.

 

[CHICKEN LEG]

I use a nosehair trimmer for the wheel wells and a straight scissors on the sides. VERY little dremel work needed. With the smaller scissors, it gives me more control.

It's funny you should say that, cause I use a dremel to trim my nosehairs! :yes:

But seriously, the "score and snap" technique has always worked best for me.
Just make a very light score line at first, then gradually deepen it, one pass at a time. This will help you avoid the occasional "line" you dont want. Also the closer together your relief cuts are, the better.:burp:

 

[NitroNewb]

I just ordered a Dremel 8000-02 10.8V Lithium-Ion Cordless Rotary tool, circle cutter, flat black paint and reamer. I had a friend show me the score & snap procedure (his score sucked but it sure did snap right to it!!). Looks like the way to go. Now we wait. Lil Andretti wants to paint NOW!! I told him it's 90% prep but.....well....remember being 13??

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Yeap, the paint is the easy part. It's the prep work that goes into the body work that makes or breaks a paint job. I always wait until I know I'm in absolutely no hurry at all to start painting, because evven if you miss one step of prep while trying to hurry, you can completely destroy a paint job.

I use my dremel tool more than anoy other power tool in the house, well my girlfriend has some power tools that she uses a lot, but I think the dremel is a close second. Just hope she doesn't get confused and pick up my dremel, could be some serious damage

 

[NCNitro]

if you miss one step of prep while trying to hurry, you can completely destroy a paint job.

No doubt! Body prep is very important.

 

[Rolex]

but.....well....remember being 13??

Sure. How many of us painted our model cars with little bottles of enamel and a brush?
20 minutes later you wanted to know if it was dry, so you tested it by touching it RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD.

 

[CHICKEN LEG]

, well my girlfriend has some power tools that she uses a lot, but I think the dremel is a close second. Just hope she doesn't get confused and pick up my dremel, could be some serious damage

LMAO. Mabye you should spend less time painting, and a little more with her. J/K

 

[Cam]

I'm a firm believer in the score/snap technique. I cut ALL of my bodies like that and they turn out great. Straight lines are arrow straight and curves are smooth as a baby's butt. No dremel work means zero cleanup. I'm about to do my wifes truck.. maybe I should do a little photo step by step...

You should, id like to check it out.