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Need alternative to Dymo tape for scribing

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  • Member since
    October 2010
Need alternative to Dymo tape for scribing
Posted by hypertex on Saturday, December 14, 2019 5:42 AM

When I re-scribe panel lines, Dymo tape usually does the trick as a straight edge. However, on my 1/48 Hellcat, it won't work on the top of the fuselage. The curve at the top is too acute, the curves too compound, and the adhesive not sticky enough to stay in place.

Anyone know of an alternative straight edge for these situations?

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Saturday, December 14, 2019 8:40 AM

Electrical tape maybe?

otherwisw, you’re going to have to free hand scribe that area, and using a fine razor saw works best for that. 

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by KnightTemplar5150 on Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:18 PM

Verlinden used to offer a photo-etched scribing template that was made of flexible metal. For simple curves, you could easily tape it down, but compound curves often required that you had to get a little creative in taping and holding it in place to get nice, straight lines. It's proven to be a decent little tool over the years, but I have no clue if it's still on the market. 

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Saturday, December 14, 2019 3:36 PM

For the more difficult areas such as you describe, I use Frisket tape. Thick enough to provide an easy edge for the scribing tool, saw blade or Exacto blade to follow, moderate tack so no residue left behind. Comes in large sheets, so you have to cut in strips, easy enough.

Hobby Lobby carries it, most drafting supply stores as well, I buy mine at University book store. Re-usable, so buy it once and you have a lifetime supply. It works well for me.

Patrick

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 9:04 AM

Yes;

 It's called Flex Rule.  I found one at the local Harbor Freight! This is a quarter inch wide six foot ruller in a pull back case like it's big brothers. It is flat though, So it will lay down nice. Sometimes you can find them at the counter by the register in hardware stores .They are also sold as key chain novelties.

  • Member since
    September 2019
Posted by jc98125 on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 9:43 PM

The gundam modellers have some scribing tape that is a step up from Dymo, two brands are HIQ Parts and Madworks. You'd have to order it from one of the gundam shopping sites though (newtypehq.com, usagundamstore.com for example).

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Thursday, December 19, 2019 2:18 PM

hypertex

When I re-scribe panel lines, Dymo tape usually does the trick as a straight edge. However, on my 1/48 Hellcat, it won't work on the top of the fuselage. The curve at the top is too acute, the curves too compound, and the adhesive not sticky enough to stay in place.

Anyone know of an alternative straight edge for these situations?

 
You might not need to give up on Dymo.  You could try making small nicks or cuts in the side of the tape opposite to the side you're using as a straight edge.  That would let the tape fit more closely to the surface and along the curve.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

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