Toad Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 I'm currently using a pair of craftsman cutters, but they are nowhere near shear, they leave quite a bit of sprue or what not. WHat kind of close-cut shears do you all use. I saw Lindstrom - expensive, but good reputation. But there are so many varieties, that I'm at a loss. I want something that will cut real close so I don't have to do as much filing. Any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilesuck Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 If your talking about taking them off of plastic sprues, I use these http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/diagonal-cutter/thumb.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toad Posted October 14, 2007 Author Share Posted October 14, 2007 If possible, I'd like something that would work on plastic sprues and flash along with pewter. Don't mind spending a bit of money. If it's better to go with something different for each that's okay too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Kutz Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 I've been using these for several years: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cf...tnumber=360-910 They are designed for cutting leads when working on PCBs so they get really close to the mini. The other one (the 170M) is a bit smaller and lighter duty so it works great to get at fiddly bits that the larger version can't quite reach. Normally I am a big fan of Fiskars when it comes to cutting tools...but they use a much softer steel for their blades compared to the Xcelite cutters. While I wouldn't recomend doing it all the time (that is what a good pair of diagonal cutters is for) you can cut steel pins quite well with the 1178M without too much worry about damaging the blade. ____________ Plus as an added bonus it isn't made in a third world country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkblade Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 Very good replies so far, very cool. I have used these from Micromark before, but I can't seem to find them...been missing for several months. Also from Micromark, I have a friend who uses these...a bit pricey, but very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helltown Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 If we're talking the cutting of wire for pins... Crafstman... 100 percent voting for Craftsman nippers, either diagonal nippers or end nippers. I use end nippers almost exclusively for removing minis from sprues (and broccoli bases, tabs, and the occasional bit of flashing). My reasoning is simple, I muck up the blades and the guarantee replaces them for me Considering I go through about three pairs of end nippers or more per year, you'd think that'd raise a flag or something.. Nope, all I've gotten from those fine folks so far has been a phone call asking me what the main reason for the latest return was that was four pairs ago. Cutting 400 feet of 14 gauge stainless spring steel into roughly inch circumference rings is hard on a pair of nippers, the blades notched to the point of useless about 3/4 of the way through. But I don't think you're going to be putting yours to that much abuse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versutus Vulpes Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 Cutting 400 feet of 14 gauge stainless spring steel into roughly inch circumference rings is hard on a pair of nippers, the blades notched to the point of useless about 3/4 of the way through. But I don't think you're going to be putting yours to that much abuse Hmmm... I guess craftsman just isn't up to the challenge of modern chain mail manufacturing. .... I use side cutting pliers - and they make a complete mess of things. I'll definately look into the tools recommended here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrush65 Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 Swanstrom makes the best cutters I have used. They have a good reconditioning service too. They are as you said expensive. Xuron makes an excellent cutter in the series 9000 line. THey are rated for a little less than the swanstrom cutters I like but an excellent value. Xuron 9000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vutpakdi Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I have the Xuron Micro Shear and the Xuron Hard Wire Cutter. I rather like both and both have done quite well. I wouldn't use the Micro Shear on hard wire though (flying bits of metal). The Micro Shear does well on pewter. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rastl Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I'll be hitting a tool supply vendor when Mr. Rastl and I go to the big train show next month. Cutters are on my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastman Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Xuron makes the best that I've used. I have the micro-shear, heavy duty shear, hard wire cuttter and photo-etch scissors. All of them work great. You can easily cut a standard 28mm mini in half with the heavy duty shears. I also use them for brass pin cutting. BTW- the Xuron shears are sold with black handles by Gale Force 9 (instead of the normal orange) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwyksilver Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Wow, I just use a pair of toenail clippers with a flat edge. Takes off whatever I need really close and costs about a buck or two. Sometimes an Xacto knife. Otherwise, I just use a jeweler's saw if the clippers can't handle it. I bought clippers and stuff, but nothing has worked as well as my nail clippers. <shrug> YMMV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haldir Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I have a pair of light green plastic handle shears I got at Walmart, cost like 4-5 bucks, work great for me. I don't do much in terms of wire cutting, but Xuron would be the way I'd go for that. funny Testor's sells a pair similar to the green handle ones I have, 12-14 bucks for those & they don't last that long either. for awile I was buyin a pair of red handled ones at Radio Shack for like 2-3 bucks, but when I found those green handled ones, haven't bought any since. I found them in the craft/sewing section. RM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dargrin Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Nail clippers and a Dremel here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.