Tools for removing details off plastic parts

[john53]

I am currently working on a 1/350 scale WWII destroyer and have gone into an area I have little knowledge on. I am building a destroyer and need to remove cast detail on parts, ship funnels and funnel caps, to replace details with photo etch. I have a set of X-Acto knives but I am thinking I may need some type of small micro-chisels. I saw a set by Micro Mark. Would these be what I need for the small areas I am working in? Thanks. John

[Admhawk]

There are a variety of tools and methods depending on size/shape and location of the details to be removed.

To start, hobby knife blades come in several shapes.


Numbers 16 and 18 can do a lot of the work and generally do what chisels do.
Scraping with the edge will remove a lot of material without worry of digging too deep.

Next, there are blades with saw teeth that work well.

For larger details, a pair of side cutters can reduce the bulk quickly.

Then you have power tools with all sorts of grinding and cutting bits.

[john53]

Thanks, I have been modelling for 50 plus years and have a top notch set of X Acto knifes in a hardwood box. I tried these in the funnel cap with various shaped blades and to no avail. I am thinking I need chisels, micro chisels similar to the chisels I used many years ago to put lock sets and hinges on doors. I retired years ago and my trusty wood chisels are far too big for my current modelling projects. I have seen a Micro mark set for around $20.00, would this serve my purpose? John

[drasticplastic]

These two are usually pretty handy;
https://www.micromark.com/4mm-Plastic-Modelers-Chisel

https://www.micromark.com/2mm-Plastic-Modelers-Chisel

They look the same but one's narrower than the other. Both from Micro Mark.

[john53]

Thanks, I ordered a set of 7 chisels from Micro Mark and if they are not narrow enough I will order these two to compliment them also. John