In the world of scale modelling, greeblies (or "greebles") refer to small, intricate details you add to your models...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What are greeblies?Read more -
What is the difference between plastic cement and plastic glue?Read moreThe difference between plastic cement and plastic glue lies primarily in how they work and the type of bond they...
-
What is balsa glue and how do I use it?Read moreBalsa glue is a specialised adhesive designed specifically for bonding balsa wood. It's often the preferred choice...
-
How do I use a back to back gauge?Read moreUsing a back-to-back gauge for your model railway ensures that the wheels on your rolling stock are spaced correctly...
-
What is a poly-cap?Read moreA poly-cap is a type of plastic cap often used in model-making kits, especially for assembling figurines or model...
Are different types of side cutters really necessary?
There's nothing wrong with a basic toolbox for the occasional job, and that's what most of us have, so why are there so many different types of side cutters available?
For anybody who undertakes only occasional jobs on their layout or whilst constructing models, a good general-purpose pair of quality side cutters will tackle most jobs well enough. Where different types of side cutters come to fruition is when a specific task is to be undertaken repetitively or a precision that's unique to the task at hand is required.
When it comes to side cutters, there often seems to be a trade-off between durability and precision. The many types of side cutters available simple lie in a different place along that trade-off spectrum making them better at performing or surviving particular jobs.
A good example is a difference between metal precision side cutters and plastic frame side cutters. The former is hardy enough to tackle white metal sprues but less precise than the latter, which will make incredibly fine cuts but only to plastic sprues.
Although both of the above are handy for their intended use, it would not be a good idea to attempt any track or piano wire cutting with them as their bladed jaws will soon become pitted. For those jobs, specially hardened track cutters or the virtually indestructible hard wire cutters would be much better options, but don't expect much in the way of finesse.
As mentioned earlier, if you only have a couple of pieces of track or a few sprues to cut, save your money and make do with the trusted pair in your toolbox, but if you have many hours of track cutting or precision model making ahead of you, it's best to get the right tool for the job.
Posted in: Best practices
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Related posts
-
Do I need a respirator?If you are using an aerosol spray paint you should always use one. Always read the manufacturer’s... - How to remove super glue (cyanoacrylate)?Cyanoacrylate is best known as super glue. The best way to remove it is with acetone or an acetone-based product...
- What is the best wood for baseboards?The most common wood for baseboards is probably chipboard as this is relatively inexpensive. Plywood is another...
- How do I stick parts together for a test fit?There are several trains of thought on the best way to secure parts together temporarily. Some suggest using a small...
- How to clean model railways track?There is of course the old tried and tested method, the track rubber which does the job, no railway modeller should...