Panel line scribing tool

I need to re-scribe some panel lines on my Dakota's, what is your recommendation?

I use a corn cob holder and a steady hand

I bought Tamiya's scriber, when using it I use Dymo tape placed on the model so I get a straight edge.

Arian

When I come to do my 1960s Mustang, can I borrow your steady hand Alan?

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I bought Tamiya's scriber, when using it I use Dymo tape placed on the model so I get a straight edge.Arian

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I too have used a Tamiya scriber and it worked well, as Adrian points out a good quality tape does help to keep it straight.

Si

Once asked that question on here a few years back Steve(Stona) recommended the one below the Bare Metal on.

It is a superb scriber and gives in plastic a perfect panel line.

Got and have tried Trumpeter and Tamiya and also Albion Metals pin scribe. Non come near the Bare Metal scriber. The others obviously gave a line but the bare metal is clean. A bit expensive but if you want great panel lines I have found this is the way to go.

http://www.bare-metal.com/articles/panel_scriber_ introduction.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PANEL-LINE-SCRIBER-Bare-Metal-Foil-Plastic-Modelers-Tool-NEW-/360700843010

This is another which looks on the face of it good it is similar to what you get with the Bare Metal

http://www.micromark.com/panel-scriber-for-plastic-models,7194.html

Some one in the UK stocks the Bare Metal as I got them in the UK unfortunately cannot remember where. may have been Hannants.

Use the old Dymo tape as a guide. If going around corners i have found that the tape Graham mentioned he used the car pin line tape for curves etc. Not as good as Dymo but if careful it is OK.

If you are reproducing lost lines due to filling and sanding. Found this is especially difficult as the filler is softer on average than the plastic.

Laurie

I use the one by RB Productions.

Ray

Did not have enough time last night Rick--- falling asleep.

Found this this morning http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/BMPP3. The Bare Metal Scriber. John can probably get this if interested in this type of scriber.

Laurie

Still got that scriber Laurie and still use it...if I have to! It's a good tool.

Steve

Yes they are the best I come across Steve.

Only criticism I have is that they have an inclination to fall off the bench and chop their heads off.

Laurie

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I need to re-scribe some panel lines on my Dakota's, what is your recommendation?

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Definitely Tamiya line scriber. A nice high quality tool that comes with 2 blades and is retractable.

John

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Doing some line scribing this morning. Decided to try all four that I have (two now are for sale !).

Albion Metals. Just a needle point.

Dismiss this one as a serious contender. It scratches the plastic ie does not cut rather pushes up the sides of the plastic.But. It is very handy in difficult areas and as a starter to produce a small furrow line before using a cutting type ie a template line. Also the odd rivet hole and other odd jobs very handy.

Straight lines against a ruler

Trumpeter cuts the metal but very scratchy finish.

Tamiya cuts a nice groove. The groove is always the same width. Bit jerky with light pressure and tends to dig in. Best with pressure. It does not produce very fine lines.

Bare Metal cuts a nice groove. it is smoother in action than the Tamiya. Allows you to build up the panel line slowly from a very very fine line which gives a good guide for the scriber. FIne lines are produced first the deeper you go the wider the line up to a maximum about that of the Tamiya.

Using thin metal templates

Trumpeter !!!!!!!!!

Tamiya Ok but tends to wander on to the template. Bit scratchy around tight bends.

Bare Metal works well around all bends.

Tamiya nice to hold.

Bare Metal is pencil like and would be better to hold with flatter sides.

Also got a set of dentists probes. A couple of pointed ones (the ones they start pulling your teeth about with). Very fIne lines can be achieved but take a bit of care as they are pulling at the plastic.

Laurie

Dont know if you can get them in the UK a firm that makes everyday hobby knifes OLFA sell a P cutter, a third of the price of a Tamiya panel scriber.

Now look at the Tamiya one and see the marks on the handle.... OLFA!

Ian M

Yes you are right Ian. Olfa is a Japanese manufacturer of utility knives.

They sell exactly the same product as Tamiya but in a bright yellow.

How do I know that probably as I have just looked it up.

Like some High Priced Compressors by big names and the same stuff is the same as sold cheap on Ebay straight from China.

Laurie