Cutting Lexan

[NSX-XXS]

Hi,

I am lookin for some help in the simplest of forms, just wondering the best ways to trim the shells and to cut the wheel arches out, whats the best equipment for the job?

Thanks :D

[calvin3]

I only use a sharp xacto knife....I take my time and score the body lines a few times and then bend the lexan and it usually just snaps off. Check out my cars on my website.

[ToxicSoup]

The best thing you can do is take your time, like calvin said. For the wheel wells, before i even paint the body i mark out where the wheels actually are, then i mark them on the outside (where the proctecting film is) so i can cut them when i am done painting. For windows, i mark out where i want them to be, then drill a hole in each corner and play connect the dots with an xacto knife.

[DaLoSiGuYWiTdAxXxNt]

Just follow their instructions. I know how to cut lexan, but I' wondering why you guys cut your body after you paint it

[TSR6]

Originally posted by DaLoSiGuYWiTdAxXxNt
Just follow their instructions. I know how to cut lexan, but I' wondering why you guys cut your body after you paint it

I used to do it, so that the side ''flaps'' on the bottom would get any overspray..

Now, I just do it so i have something to hold onto while I paint, and again... less overspray, but thats usually not an issue now with the overspray film most bodies have..

maybe I'm just lazy?

-Troy

[DaLoSiGuYWiTdAxXxNt]

Oh, I was just wondering because it would be sad if you scratched your new paint job that you spent days on just because you tried to trim it

[eliseracer]

I would recomend for a beginer to trim before you paint, that way you can't scratch up your paint work. For trimming, try using your mother's/sister's/wife's (etc) curved nail scisors, they work I just did my body with them.

[OrcSlayer]

They make scissors with curved blades to cut the wheel arches on bodies. Alternately, you can use a circle cutter. HPI's bodies come with little dimples in the middle of each wheel well that you can use to position the circle cutter in. BTW, do you own an NSX? NSX's are my dream car. :D

[NSX-XXS]

thanks for all the help people, I have been using scissors and it looks rank :( still, i am still learning

Originally posted by OrcSlayer
do you own an NSX? NSX's are my dream car. :D

I wish i owned an NSX, dream car for me too!! I own a MINI :p not not much difference! I always use an NSX shell on my XXS, hence the name :D its just the shell is a bit pants

[RageATheM]

I used to use curved scissors...then I lost them, so last night when I went to cut out my Hummer body I had to use the old fasion x-acto knife way...and well...make sure the little sucker doesn't slip and hit young finger cause it stings like a b**ch. The body came out better then if I would have cut it with the scissors. lol. Ah well, live, love, learn and get hurt a little.


:cool:

[TEM]

I use normal scissors(well good ones, but standard kind) to cut all 4 sides. For wheel wells, I go around the wheel well with a sharp xacto blade and rip out the circle by hand. Works perfectly everytime.

A tip when cutting; often you can't trim right to the line right off the bat; instead, take smaller pieces off till you get closer and closer before making a final cut.

[the real noxen]

i just use curved lexan scissors, i dont use the little compass thing, its not necessary unless youre looking for true perfection