The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

I have purchased a stack of needles (various sizes) from my local chemist, as it seems to me they'd make gun barrels, actuating rods, pitot tubes etc.....in fact, I've seen a lot of them used for such purposes, BUT how can I cut them cleanly without crimping the ends closed? For the actuating rods etc where they slip into each other and there's no "open end", it's not such a big problem, but gun barrels? Problem! Any suggestions please?

I had forgotten how to do this but I remember this thread being really useful: http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techn ... 37248.aspx;

Thanks SJP, I'll try that.......it's not like they're made of gold, so if I muck any up, I won't cry for long

Of course, the irony is that if they were made of gold they would so much easier to cut...

fortunately, in a small town of 2,000 people,our chemist shop staff know me well enough to know that my concept of "recreational use" is completely different to normal usage ;)

How about threading some fine hard wire or rod into the needle before cutting it?

That's also a good idea,iggie.Thanks

If you cut with pliers/crimpers, you get that squashed end, but if you saw/score while rotating, it'll be fine and you can just open the end with a pointy round file or a small drill ...

Ta,JRatz

Do you have access to a dremel type mini power drill? If you have, one of the cut-off circular cutters would cut neatly through the tube.

Yes fredk I do have a similar tool to a dremel..I'll give it a burl.

Make sure you fasten down both ends, so the whirling blade doesn't send the cut-off piece flying; safety glasses are also useful.

That WOULD be ironic for a former Commonwealth Government OH&S Delegate, wouldn't it...to be injured in a modelling disaster? :D

Yes, don't forget safety glasses please. I use a 'dremel' tool to cut my needles and then burn the plastic ends off. If possible have a big strong magnet under your needle when you cut. A lot of times the cut piece just hangs on edge.

Good advice,Jonesy,esp.about the magnet thanks. Actually, I use our Brule torch to burn the plastic ends off,over the kitchen sink, before working with them.Works well, and I used the cutting discs with my Brand X tool to cut through a syringe on Thursday. (both ends secured)..worked well