Cutting out Tamiya canopy masks?

I've had no problems using a sharp new Xacto blade.  Good light and a magnifier will make it easier.

I had no problem using mine,probably used a sharp X-Acto blade,and I don't recall any issues,give them a try before putting out more money.

I just made the Tamiya Lightning and those masks aren't die cut either. 
I did okay with a sharp hobby knife and magnifying glass. I didn't get it perfect, but pretty close. 

that said, I'd rather Tamiya did all the hard work...

I'll try doing it first with the Tamiya set, as the Eduard set is $18.

I always use the excel double honed #11 blades which are super sharp.

I've had great success with the Eduard sets on some very complicated WWII canopies.

You get what you pay for with those. 

When you consider the amount of time involved with cutting the masks, throwing the kit ones in the circular file and going with the $18.00 Eduard set is a no-brainer.  Kind of disappointing that Tamiya includes a masking sheet, but doesn't bother to cut it for you.  Makes you wonder what the point was of including them.  The Eduard masks have always been awesome.

The Tamiya Toyota GT One kit has a pre cut mask for the red and white painted body.  When I purchased the Tamiya 1/32 Corsair (a kit 5 times the cost of the Toyota) I was happy to see a canopy mask.  Only to open the box and see they are not pre cut.  I plan to paint the insignia and I believe the Montex mask I have coming comes with a canopy mask.  No big deal there.  I'll simply use the Montex.  The poster mentioned a pre cut mask for a Tamiya Ferrari kit.  The F14 is a fine kit.  I wonder why the more expensive aircraft kits don't have them pre cut?  I would gladly spend extra $ if they would just cut them for me.  
Long  story short.   Just get the Eduard set.

Now that I think about it, I bought and built the Tamiya F-14A right after it was released, and it had pre-cut masks in it.  Its a shame that they've taken a step backward on that, but we always have Eduard and Montex...along with Tamiya masking sheets which also make great canopy masking material.  With those I just cut straight pieces and just lay multiple pieces down on the canopy.  That stuff stretches and flexes nicely to follow gentle curves.  Just got the Eduard "TFace" set for my Tamiya F-4B, and it has masks for the outside AND inside of the canopy.  Well worth the extra dough.

Eaglecash867

When you consider the amount of time involved with cutting the masks, throwing the kit ones in the circular file and going with the $18.00 Eduard set is a no-brainer.  Kind of disappointing that Tamiya includes a masking sheet, but doesn't bother to cut it for you.  Makes you wonder what the point was of including them.  The Eduard masks have always been awesome.

 

Depends how much money you want to put out,not me,$18.00 for AM yes,not for masks.

Just my thoughts of course.

I have 1/72 Fiat G-50 kit that has a canopy that will need to be masked.  Since it is so small, the best way would be to wrap the canopy in foil and use the x-acto knife.  Just to make sure, what blade number is best used.

Never realized anyone was doing non-pre-cut masks...but having cut my own (off and on) for decades, I'd offer a simple suggestion.

Go to a craft or artists supply store and pick up a small clear plastic 'French curve' for a couple bucks. Very useful as a guide for cutting uniform curve sections neatly.

When you're doing one side, mark the edges on the curve with pencil marks...then just flip the tool over to do an opposite side. Perfect match every time...and the marks wipe away with the swipe of a fingertip when done.

AHA!!

      Now you all know, why I use an old method for masks. All these years it has worked without a problem. Elmers glue. Allowed to sit 48 hours with the top off makes perfect mask media. You just have to have a steady hand checking for flaws and remove them before painting.

    The masks given in kits were nice, till they decided to have you cut them out! I will never understand the idea of cutting a process that the customers will rave about and Buy your product, then you step backwards for the bottom line! Seems that would be Counter-Productive!!

      Oh well, I ain't gonna worry, I have a BIG bottle of Elmers

I scan the Tamiya masks and cut new ones with my Cameo.  I almost always do the same with Eduard masks because theres almost always room for improvement.