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Old 01-06-2009 | 05:23 PM
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Default Trim Tool

How do you use on of these?? http://hobbypeople.net/gallery/536700.asp It is a trim tool.. Ive got one and never used it
Old 01-06-2009 | 05:33 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

Some times I use it and sometimes a razor blade or Hobby knife
Old 01-06-2009 | 05:46 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

http://manuals.hobbico.com/top/topr2400-manual.pdf is the instructions. Self-explanatory??
Old 01-06-2009 | 05:54 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I have one and only used it a couple of times. I am getting better at using the hobby knife. Just make sure you keep sharp blades.
Old 01-06-2009 | 06:00 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I also bought one thinking it would make things easier. I was wrong. I've found that by making sure the edge is sealed around a corner (rolling the iron over the edge) I can then take a hobby knife or razor blade and run it down the corner. The seam ends up just over the corner which holds fine. Hold the pressure on the hobby knife against the corner on the the dull edge of the blade to prevent digging into the corner.

Brad
Old 01-06-2009 | 06:03 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I've got one as well, but it collects dust in the drawer of my tool chest. I use a single edge razor blade as I find it easier and quicker to trim the covering with.

Ken
Old 01-06-2009 | 06:56 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I have one too,and have used it with success at times. Moreso when I first got it,but latety......

....its pretty much what the rest of the guys are saying,lol.
Old 01-07-2009 | 09:52 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

It is useless- save your money. If you want a great tool that cuts a clean 3/32" strip along the edge of a fuselage, wing or tail get the Higley tool. See http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&P=SM&I=LXL791
Old 01-07-2009 | 11:23 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I still use it once in a while but most the time it is a waste. Hobby knife, single edge razor blade and I started to use the double edged blades again when I can find them. They are a lot sharper then the singles. I made up a balsa handle to mount them in but you still have to watch yourself with them!! They are sharp as a razor!!!!
Old 01-07-2009 | 11:44 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool



I have one too, it is a dust collector.
Razor blades and # 11 blades work
for me better.

Bob
Old 01-07-2009 | 01:07 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

I have one and use it occasionally, but mostly because I have one. IIf I lost it I wouldn't get another.

Now this baby I like much better and would replace.



http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL791

I think it's a ton easier to use and gives smoother results.
Old 01-07-2009 | 01:11 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

Some things are more or less gimmicks to get you to buy something

The two trimmers mentioned work differently in the way they hold/cut the film
Old 01-07-2009 | 01:20 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool


ORIGINAL: Gray Beard

I still use it once in a while but most the time it is a waste. Hobby knife, single edge razor blade and I started to use the double edged blades again when I can find them. They are a lot sharper then the singles. I made up a balsa handle to mount them in but you still have to watch yourself with them!! They are sharp as a razor!!!!
Not hard to find double edge blades http://www.walgreens.com/store/produ..._sku=sku394872 just Google for "double edged blades".
Old 01-07-2009 | 01:33 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

My friend the encyclopedia. Thanks Bruce. Did I spell that correctly.
Old 01-07-2009 | 04:46 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool


ORIGINAL: Charlie P.

I have one and use it occasionally, but mostly because I have one. IIf I lost it I wouldn't get another.

Now this baby I like much better and would replace.



http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL791

I think it's a ton easier to use and gives smoother results.

Another vote here for the Higley tool. People recommending a #11 haven't tried the Higley.

Excellent tool and easy to use. The price is nuts but you only have to buy it once.
Old 01-07-2009 | 06:22 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool


ORIGINAL: goirish

My friend the encyclopedia. Thanks Bruce. Did I spell that correctly.
Yes, it is "Bruce". But you forgot the ?
Old 01-07-2009 | 06:30 PM
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jib
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Default RE: Trim Tool


ORIGINAL: bruce88123


ORIGINAL: goirish

My friend the encyclopedia. Thanks Bruce. Did I spell that correctly.
Yes, it is "Bruce". But you forgot the ?
Brutal, absolutely brutal!

Jack
Old 01-07-2009 | 11:04 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool


ORIGINAL: Dsegal

It is useless- save your money. If you want a great tool that cuts a clean 3/32" strip along the edge of a fuselage, wing or tail get the Higley tool. See http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&P=SM&I=LXL791

I use a Higley Tool and it works 100 times better than the Top Flite trimmer!!

Happy Landings!
Old 01-07-2009 | 11:15 PM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

The Top Flite design works as the instructions say if you have two new #11 blades in it which is a rather narrow realm of use

But the Harry Higley tool is a far more flexible design and uses cheaper blades
Old 01-08-2009 | 12:04 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

#11 blades can get expensive. But if you order them by the hundred they're not too bad.

$12.90 per 100 from Micro Fasteners [link]http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/TNMRB.cfm[/link]

Single edge razor blades are $6.95 per 100 on the same page.

Ken
Old 01-08-2009 | 12:16 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

It is not obvious to me how the Higley tool is used.
Old 01-08-2009 | 12:38 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

Align the edge of the Monokote in one of the slots and the razor blade slits the Monokote as you push tool along
Old 01-08-2009 | 11:13 AM
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Default RE: Trim Tool

Here is a sequence to show the tool in action:

1. The covering applied with a flap hanging over the edge.

2. Sliding the tool along like a miniature block plane.

3. Finished.

4. Back side showing the perfect 3/32" strip waiting to be ironed over the edge.
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