Best Sprue Cutter

I prefer to use the flush cut type. There are a few brands in Micro- Marts website. Through the years I've yet to see any cutter leave a "perfect" cut. You should always cut and sand to fit joints.

Thanks "Pappy"

I always just cut it with an exacto knife and sand or file out the rough spots.  Still making plastic models.  I need to finish a B24.

I used to use a scalpel and trim & sand.

 

Now I have 3 different styles from Xuron and I use them all the time.

 

http://xuron.com/index.php/mai...nsumer_products/3/14

Certain the lowest cost option.  Thanks

The 2175ET has good reviews and from everything I read, the product is well received. 

I agree - Xuron cutters are the best!

I have both a Xuron cutter and a tweezer-type one from Micro-Mark. Both work well; which one I use depends on the size and shape of the part and how it sits on the sprue. You still need to do a bit of cleaning up, but a sprue cutter does make a nice clean cut that's easy to finish off. 

Let me just say "thank you" to everyone who responded and to any other response that might follow this.  I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

George

I use a cut-off wheel on a dremel. Still, leaving a little to be hand filed off.

 

I don't like the "clip" method,, as you might take some of the plastic from the part you want to keep. As suggested above, if you clip, clip away and file off the remainder.

I never considered doing it any other way.  I consider the filing to a finished piece more important than how you cut it from the sprue.  The important thing there is not to stress the piece so it gets out of shape.  What difference does it make how you cut it off?  Using a Dremel tool seems like a hazardous way to do it really.

Departing from the subject slightly, but does anyone do anything with the left over sprue, after the parts are cut from it?  I have a box full of sprue and the only use I can see for it, would be to incorporate it in a scene that called for overhead piping.  Maybe someone has another idea?

 

Thanks,

Frank

Instructions from a Tichy Train Group kit:

 

Each part is attached to the runner by a small "gate".  When removing a part, cut close to the sprue, then carefully trim and file gate to the part.

 

I support the cut area and depending on the location and material type/thickness, make the cut using either a single edge razor blade (hardware or big box store) or a chisel blade (#17 or #18 ) in an X-acto or Excel knife handle then finish up with a file.

 

The "twist" method has its merits too. 

I use 4" precision diagonal wire cutters. 

 

As for what to do with the sprues I have fashioned them into parts and also grind them into a powder with sandpaper then mix the powder is some Tenax to make a paste to fill cracks and chips.

 

Pete