How to cut rectangle micro windows?

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NCC1966
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How to cut rectangle micro windows?

Post by NCC1966 »

So, I just received my 1:1400 Enterprise E kit and am studying how to prepare it for lighting. The main issue I am facing at the moment is how to cut the micro-windows that may have roughly 0.5 x 3mm.

Ideas? Tips?
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Dr. Yo
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Post by Dr. Yo »

Off the top of my head, I know that the brass and aluminum tubing and strut assortment you see in a lot of Hobby Shops have some rectangular brass tube. Wouldn't bee too difficult to make up a simple punch if you can find one in the right size. Failing that, cutting strips and chopping lengths off
clear styrene sheet (Evergreen makes it)would be the next option.
"Semper fiendish"-Wen Yo
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NCC1966
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Post by NCC1966 »

Sorry, I think I wasn't clear. I don't mean the glass of the windows, but the windows holes.

:oops:
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Tommy8008
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Post by Tommy8008 »

I used a 0.6mm drill bit to drill 2 holes, top and bottom, then sawed the inbetween with the same drill bit.

Currently doing the E myself, but my airbrush has decided to act up on me, so it's on the back burner until the cleaning gear arrives.

The drilling will take a while, and it is very tedious, but soldier on.
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NCC1966
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Post by NCC1966 »

Thanks for the tip, Tommy!

:)
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Tommy8008
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Post by Tommy8008 »

Anytime.

I got that hint from a user on here.
swhite228
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Post by swhite228 »

I use the eye of larger carpet needles to make those type of windows.
Simply heat the eye in a candle flame and push it through the plastic.
Sand the area around the window and your good to go.
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SpaceRanger1
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Re: How to cut rectangle micro windows?

Post by SpaceRanger1 »

NCC1966 wrote:So, I just received my 1:1400 Enterprise E kit and am studying how to prepare it for lighting. The main issue I am facing at the moment is how to cut the micro-windows that may have roughly 0.5 x 3mm.

Ideas? Tips?
Some have used a small screwdriver as a punch. If I were to do this, I'd thin the plastic first from the inside.
Michael McMurtrey
IPMS-USA #1746
IPMS-Canada #1426
Carrollton, TX

"Yup, exactly what SpaceRanger1 is saying. 100%" — seashark
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