savagedriver01

hi all

i have just bought a new clear baja 5b body and was wondering, what do all you guys use to cut it out with? i was thinking of useing siccors and a utility knife..i would have liked a really nice job and not to hack it up.

Dale Gribble

My Feedback: (4)

If I am being completely honest, curved lexan scissors are the only way to go. Every hobby store will have some. I wouldn't use anything else.

46u

My Feedback: (3)

Curved body scissors and body reamer for the holes.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEAL0&P=ML
Here is both in a inexpensive kit
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJGU5&P=ML

savagedriver01

aaahhh ok, thank you guys. also tks for the pic of them...my wife has a pair that look just like that in her set,,Mmmm wonder if she would miss them lol

quarterscalelegends

The BEST way is to use a exacto knife. You mark the outside with a sharpie then you score the plastic with the knife. You do not go all the way through. Then you just take the end and tear away. This is by far the most superior way of trimming bodies. Very clean and extremely fast.

Dale Gribble

My Feedback: (4)

Hmmm, I have to challenge this as the 'superior way'... I don't think this method will work as good on curved parts of the body where there isn't a straight angle? I have always used curved scissors with great success.

quarterscalelegends

its even better on the curves because the lexan tends to be a bit thinner there. Been doing this on quarterscale bodies for years and those bodies are very thick.

46u

My Feedback: (3)

I will stick with body scissors.

sparky 25

I used a hobby knife when cutting out new bodies for years which was a good way to do it,

but im with dale on this one, since purchasing a set of curved hobby scissors,

my bodyshells have a better trimmed edge on them,

scissors are so much easier to cut a bodyshell with imo.

cenracer1

I'm with both of you on this one... I use the lexan scissors for the tight curved areas and a #11 exacto for the larger areas where I can get a nice straight long cut.. Lexan scissors are a must to have as you will constantly use them even after the body has been installed... A body reamer is also a good idea to get round holes... You wil appreciate the lexan scissors especially in the front by the body post and around the fuel tank....

quarterscalelegends

you can lead a horse to water...

46u

My Feedback: (3)

There is more then one way to skin a cat and some ways work better for others.

SAVAGEJIM

Considering that you have done it on the thicker quarter scale lexans, I will actually take the plunge and give the hobby knife a try.

I have used the hobby knives to trim parts where I feel the lexan scissors would make me more prone for mistake, but I admit I only use the knife to cut off ragged edges I made by goofing up while cutting with the scissors, but since you explaind this, I want to give the hobby knife as a try in lieu of the scissors.

splcrazy

the fastest way i found to cut the 5b shells is to use aviation tin snips they work fast and can cut straight and accurate and you wont get crippling hand cramps from when you use other things like the lexan scissors or other types of scissors , when the shell is cut out get out your dremel and put on a sanding bit thats similar like a flapy sand paddles this will fix all the ireggular bits you couldnt cut out with the snips or scissors . I can cut out and finish sanding a shell ready to paint in 30 minutes doing it my way

Dirt_hawg

Use a dremel.

haz

My Feedback: (17)

Yes a dremel is the best and fastest way to cut the body.

Foxy

Dremel is for finishing off. To use one to cut the body out would be like using a chainsaw on a bonsai.

SAVAGEJIM

LOL, I have to agree, and nice analogy! I have tried to begin cutting lexan with a dremel cut-off wheel before, it was not pretty. I went back to scissors and did the job right.

But I totally agree, rotary tools are great for finishing up the edges smooth.

Dirt_hawg

Well yes..you just have to cut out the shell ruffly then finish it with a dremel..I can have a shell finished in about 30 min..Very easy..

Dirt_hawg

DOnt use the cutoff wheels..LOL..Use the sanding barrels to finish up..

monsterbrad

I use a chain saw and a weed wacker and to spray it I use a wagner power sprayer LOL
thicker lexan that hobby knife idea will work but the best was is to buy body scissors and use a dremel for the smotth areas.
ALso when you are cutting round wheel wells and stuff like that don't let the scissors close all the way just keep them moving to avoid little nips where the scissors come completely closed.
use pactra lexan paints and make sure you shake the can especially if the paint is older.

reddog6625

Hi all

The exacto knife method worked for me as well. Especially with some fine sandpaper, rougly cutted out the holes than applied the sandpaper ( on rough edges )ant it is like from the factory but no sharp edges. The cutting took me about 3 hours (it was well worht it). And it is a 1/10th scale truggy body.