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09-18-2017, 02:36 PM | #1 |
Range Viper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joeverse
Posts: 10,474
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I want to modify a backpack and other items. What is the best way to cut off sections leaving smooth edges without breaking the item?
Here is an example. I want to cut off the left part under the stick.
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09-18-2017, 02:51 PM | #2 |
JARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Grand Ledge, Michigan
Posts: 2,984
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I have cut apart a jump jet pack. So with the harder plastic I suggest a dremel with a cutting wheel. Then just use an exacto knife to smooth the rough edges from the dremel. As for the soft plastic if the hose the exacto blade should cut that with no problem.
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09-18-2017, 03:02 PM | #3 |
Range Viper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joeverse
Posts: 10,474
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To smooth out the rough edges with the exacto do I use it kinda like a pealer? From one side to the other using the middle part of the blade?
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09-18-2017, 03:30 PM | #4 |
Cobra Interrogator
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Undisclosed Military Installation in Kentucky
Posts: 1,466
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Check out this video:
See how the plastic turns into brown lumps that cling to the piece? That's what will happen when you dremel your backpack. The Exacto knife can trim those off so that it has sharp corners. Once you have removed the tank and trimmed the melted excess, the cut surface of the backpack probably won't be perfectly flat. You will want to polish it up a bit to make it more even and level. I do not recommend using the Exacto knife for this. Your first impulse might be to use it like a peeler and shave slivers of plastic off until it is flat. The problem is that there is a very big chance that you'll cut too deep and end up with a wedge-shaped cut in your piece. A better option might be to use a emery board or nail file. They have some nice ones with flat sides and different degrees of coarseness. Just stroke it on the file until it is flat, and use the finer grains to polish. If you really want to get fancy, there are little polishing kits used for rocks and models that have extremely fine surfaces. You will probably get better results trying to polish it by hand than you would trying to cut or buff it. |
09-18-2017, 03:32 PM | #5 |
Range Viper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joeverse
Posts: 10,474
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Would sand paper work to smooth it out?
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09-18-2017, 03:53 PM | #6 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: At the bottom of the pile!
Posts: 2,846
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That's what I use, like solo said those polishing kits are awesome. Never tried an emory board but that's a good idea.
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09-18-2017, 04:03 PM | #7 |
Range Viper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joeverse
Posts: 10,474
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Thanks guys, I am going to give it a go.
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09-18-2017, 06:26 PM | #8 |
JARHEAD
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Grand Ledge, Michigan
Posts: 2,984
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Solosam is right, on bigger projects and if you are a beginner dremel user you will have uneven surfaces. And NO!!!!! Please don't use the blade like a peeler BAD THINGS HAPPEN!! my thumb can attest to that LOL
When I said use an exacto for the edges I meant for the melted rough edge like solosam explained. Yes, sandpaper/ emery boards work to smooth and polish flat side of the cut surface, however for such a small surface as you have on the jet pack your dremel should keep it smooth with exception of the melted edge. Good luck, have fun and keep asking questions if need be. |
09-18-2017, 08:29 PM | #9 |
Range Viper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joeverse
Posts: 10,474
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Another question. What do you guys use to modify something into a Joe backpack. What do you guys use as the peg?
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09-18-2017, 08:40 PM | #10 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: At the bottom of the pile!
Posts: 2,846
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Kinda just depends on what it is. I have used the plastic trees model kit parts come on, bamboo skewers, just really whatever I have laying around that will get the job done.
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