@FineScaleModelermagazine great video. Here’s the best way that I use the cutting mats. 1. Use a scalpel blade for the straight lines. The cutting portion of the blade is thinner & tapered at 15* to 20* which will give you a sharper & cleaner cut than hobby knife would. 2. Use a swivel head cutter when cutting circles & shapes with curves. The best that I have used is the one that Green Stuff World manufacture. The blade is thin & swivels easily through the grooves of the cutting mat. Perhaps do a follow up or update video.
I wonder if it might be worth trying a swivel craft knife for those small circular arcs. X-Acto makes one, but I don't know how good the quality of it is. The Gold Standard of swivel knifes were those made by Ulano, but they are collectables now.
In my experience, scalpel blades work best because they are much sharper than hobby blades. Also, cutting paper (which is what tape is) made of) is tough on blades and if you're cutting a lot of masks, change the blades often.
I have tried these mats. Similar to what you said, Tim. You can't really use them to guide your knife for you because your knife will cut right in to them. But you can use them to help you see where you are going so you can cut tape how you need it.
Great video folks! I like the Infini cutting matt and have used mostly the smaller straight lines so far. I also have one from Border Models that includes various WWI and WWII camouflage patterns. I would like to see a demonstration in a future video on those high gloss finishes on the contest cars. I have never pulled off that deep of a gloss.
Okay. I'm feeling like a failure, I bought the Infini Type B mat. I normally use blue painters tape and Xacto #11 blades. I'm have a bear of a time getting the blade to stay in the groove. Is my tape too think? Or, is the #11 blade? Help!! BTW, when I opened the mat, I thought it was a smooth surface. It wasn't until I dragged my nail across the surface that I felt the grooves.
Do not feel like a failure! As you saw in the video, I had to get used to the mat, too. I think the blue painters tape is too thick. Definitely opt for the Tamiya-style tape. It's thinner and less aggressive. When you apply it to the mat, make sure to push it down firmly so you can see the grooves through it. A No. 11 blade will work just fine. However, make sure it is a sharp blade--so probably replace the blade before you start cutting. Lastly, press firmly, but not hard. You're not trying to cut through the mat, but you want to make sure you stay in the groove. I found that I developed a feel for cutting with the mat. Once you have it, you have it. Let us know how it goes for you! -TK
Been looking forward to 1/48 TBD-1 Devastor for awhile. Will have to check pricing. And thos little cutting matts are cool, could put them to use as im always cutting strips of masking tape to replicate rifle slings, various belts and straps, etc. Thank FSM for todays video.
