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Maybe this has been posted elsewhere, maybe not. But I need tips on how to cut chunks off models fairly easily Preferably with minimal damage to myself and the model, i'll be slicing up plastic, and a small amount of metal models too...So, if anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be great!

The backstory to this is i bought a bunch of orks off a guy who's an accomplished modeler and he was in the process of converting ork AOBR nobs and deff koptas into bika nobz! I've seen a couple at the end stage, so i know what to do, but it definately involves a lot of cutting, so any tips would be appreciated. I will be posting pics eventually as they become complete. They look sweet! just gotta finish them off. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated!

One thing I use is gloves when I do a lot of cutting. A couple trips to the er naje you want to take percaustions.

It depends on the cut. Knife, Dremel, Razor Saw. And while gloves are an ideal safety measure, they can mess with your ability to grip and feel the things your cutting. I haven't broken the skin cutting myself in a while (great now i jinxed it) but the pad of my thumb is a cross hatch pattern of light cuts into the outer skin layers. What I think I do need to get myself is a rubber thimble.

A rubber thimble... thanks. Much like you Aduro my thumb and index finger are both filed smooth for all the conversion work. That thimble might just do the trick.

But back to the tools. Depending on the type of cut you need sometimes you also just want to drill a series of holes with a pin vise and file them out. For Example if you want to precisely a perfect square section of plastic.
Maybe if you told us how big your cuts are going to be we could provide a more focused answer.

Cheers,

Dark_Gear

Do NOT use a dremel to cut plastic models. You'll have very little left. I suggest a jeweler's saw or some type of clippers for smaller bits.

other tricks- warming the pieces in hot tap water.

Or, scoring a line where you want the 'cut' then freezing the pieces and snapping it at that line- take a lil practice but can really speed up the results if youre doing alot of chop work.

I wouldn't say Never use a dremel to cut plastic, it tends to be the lesser of the three options, but in some uses it's quicker and easier and the material removed may not matter.

I just have to agree with Aduro.

While I wouldn't try to dremel away flash on kroot legs, if clearing an opening in the side of a Landraider, a dremel really speeds up the process.

It's just a matter of using the right tool for the job.

I use a razor saw for my cutting. Also if using and exacto(?) or similar knife make shure to cut away from yourself, I know its basic safety but last week I cut my finger and it bled for 2 days

With Dremels, using the right bit also makes a difference. I use my Stylus with cutting discs and dont have any problems other than the wonderful smell of melty plastic

For cuts that require that extra bit of precision, I'll use a jewlers saw, or some mini saw blades that fit in my exacto handle.

But not everyone has all that on their desk, so its not what I suggest first

Cutting surface. Layers of newspaper is not enough. Shell out for the real deal rubber mat cutting surface. Using an exacto knife will cut cleanly, just remember not to put too much pressure or the plastic will deform. Any type of saw bladed apparatus will eat away your plastics or metals. Expect some green stuff work to fill in the gaps when using saws. Hobby saws have a wide plade making them good for straight cuts only. Jewelers saw is the best for metals. Just be prepared to replace the thin bvlade often if you use too much force. Remember cutting properly is a fine craft not to be sped up. Be safe and may your fingers never meet your knife.

Do you guys use some sort of vice, or just hold it with your hands?

Usually just my hands.

I don't know what all this talk of using gloves and vices is for. You really shouldn't be using that much force with craft knives. If you use too much force you risk bending and snapping the blade, which can be dangerous if it flies into your face or across the room. Also using a lot of force increases your chance of slipping and stabbing yourself badly and you only have the look at the hobby accidents article to see the results of that.

Plastic is a relatively soft material, use a saw or sharp knife. Take your time, it's best to make many slight cuts than one heavy handed cut, you have both control and safety. Blunt knives are best avoided, they aren't safer because they encourage the use of force which I've mentioned is best avoided. Sorry to sound like an old fart, but I want people to enjoy the hobby without loosing fingers and eyes.

+1 vote for hands. Most parts are too small to place in a vice, even a jeweler's vice.
I've they're really small I'll rest them on the green cutting mat.

Dark_Gear

Not to mention if you put them in a vice, then by the time the thing is tight enough to hold them solid, it's probably also tight enough to leave marks on them.

Only time I've used a vice in remember memory was when I wanted to drill a hole thru a tiny metal bit. While I could have gotten a good grip on it with my hands, dremeling metal can make it VERY hot, and the effect is increased the smaller the bit is. Since I wanted neither another hole drilled thru my thumb or burns on my finger tips, vice it was.