Tamiya 74035 side cutters

I have one, too.  The BEST sprue cutter in the universe!

I agree, but the 74001 are equally good and give you the ability to get a bit closer in some applications.  I have both and I think they are essential.

Here is the 74001

Paul

Hmmm.

    I just recently found some that do just as well . After cutting H.O. scale track they are as sharp as when I took them out of the package . What am I talking about ? Xuron Rail Cutters for model Rail-Roaders . The only thing I did to them was very carefully flatten down the tips from top to bottom  . They weren't as fine as I like .

74001....I'm very tempted.....  

I just picked up the Xuron 410T, and I like it a lot. Those Tamiyas are very tempting

These are just some of the sprue cutter I have ... the Xurons are the salmon color handles in the center.  Compared to the Tamiya cutters, they are cheaply made stamped metal with a weak scissor like joint.  The Tamiya are drop forged with a real solid plier-like joint that will stay right for years.  Personally, I'm disappointed in the Xuron.

I have a Xuron, which I stopped using after a few tries.  Even the cheapest Tamiya cutter is way better than it.

I have been using the same pair of Xuron sprue cutters for at least 20 years so they can't be too bad. I do love Tamiya tools though.

Jay

I will definitely buy a pair of these. I was wondering what is best.

I'm gonna try them. I have several cutters, Xuron, etc. They all have a slight uneven match in the cutting face.

panzerpilot

I'm gonna try them. I have several cutters, Xuron, etc. They all have a slight uneven match in the cutting face.

I've read somewhere that this "scissor" action is there by design. I don't know how effective it it, and am tempted to try the Tamiya cutters.

Can anyone tell me if the Tamiyas are scissor action as well? (I'd almost prefer they not be....I think)

Unfortunately, Tamiya  no longer makes the 74035. So if you really want them, then you will have to look around a bit as they are disappearing  fast. I bought the last two pair from my LHS ($67.35) and am glad I did. You can always check thiefbay, but as they get more and more sparse, the price is going to rocket I bet.

I found the 74035 online and got one. It's very well made. There's a 74123 that looks just as nice and is still being made.

panzerpilot

I found the 74035 online and got one. It's very well made. There's a 74123 that looks just as nice and is still being made.

 

FWIW, at the Tamiya display at the Nats, they had a few new items on display. Two new side cutters; #74123 Sharp Pointed Side Cutter (retail $44) and 89981 Modeler's Side Cutter (retail $17).

Leads one to believe the 74123 maybe replace the 74035, panzerpilot.

Wish they had been selling them, I'd certainly have bought one.

Thanks, Greg. It does look like the 74123 is an upgraded 74035. Similar sized tongs, etc. I got a 74001 and like that it's well made and even. Very sturdy too.