Got a question for any body

[kgb424]

I bought some 1/8'' steel plate and want to cut some

Chassis rails out for my 1:6 R/C project

I used rubbing alcohol to clean off the oily film on the metal

And started to scribe my lines with a sharp metal scribe and I can not see them after scribing them

does any body know of a trick or something else I could use for my layout ??

I tried to find some Blue Dykem locally and can not find any and have to order some, I could have cut out by the time it ships

If I could get them laid out

and colored PVC glue will not stick to the metal and soap stone sucks cause it wipes right off and doesn't stick

is there some thing else I can use ??

[ghtpdm5]

lay a nice big line with a sharpie about where you're aiming to scribe your lines, then scribe over that. cheap, available, works well.

[travis c.]

Blue painters tape.

[CODYBOY]

I have done it both ways and I think using the blue painters tape is easier to follow your cut than a scribed line.

[Etype R]

I use a markal pencil for my layout marks on steel. Makes really clean sharp lines. Works better on hot roll with mill scale. On shiny metal I use a sharpie, and if I need more precision I will scribe over the sharpie marks.

Silver-Streak® Metal Marker (Silver) | Markal

[kgb424]

I bought BI-Metal jigsaw blades and I also have a couple air 3'' cut off tools

I just thought using the jigsaw would be easier to adjust your cutting by being able to see the lines clearly

and use a clamped straight edge to guide the jigsaw straight so the cuts are fairly clean and don't require a lot of clean up and there is not a lot of heat to make your lines disappear

The cut off tools, I have no guides and it is hard too make clean straight cuts and your lines disappear from the heat of the cutting wheel

I just ordered 2 of those Markal Welding Pencils

one in silver and one red

there are no place here locally, I picked a local company and ordered them online

that ships Ups so I could get fairly quick now that Holiday rush is over

[Reflektr]

Bummer about the dykem man... You could hit it with some cheap rattle-can, let it dry, then scribe your lines... And once you've got it cut out, just hit it with the brake parts cleaner and you're clean as a whistle.

[kgb424]

The rattle can Idea might work

but I would use the Rust Oleum primer

the red rust color, cause the plate is black

so the paint sticks and then a light second coat after its cut out

then a couple coats of flat black

I ordered the welding pencils

if those don't work

then I use some primer

[bob1961]

I use a wide tip sharpie and never had any troubles with it ever ....

[marc.]

the thin striping tape works pretty well. some good blue tape is usually pretty available and easy to use.

[EricM]

You could also try dykem as well after you scribe your line.

[kylechandler1300]

I just use sharpie. Cheap and easy.

[C*H*U*D]

We've had guys here at work print out a 1:1 drawing, and then use some 3M spray adhesive to stick it down to what they want to cut out.

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

We've had guys here at work print out a 1:1 drawing, and then use some 3M spray adhesive to stick it down to what they want to cut out.

I use a similar method - the only difference is I use sticker paper.

[BarHarborBasher]

I've had to use a jig saw like a scroll saw many times.. I made a quick base out of 8x10" laminate flooring (smooth) clamped it in my vice with the trigger locked... plug and let her rip !...
as for the metal I usually hit it with the sander, scribe out my lines, hit them with pencil lead like I was using a food slicer..(scribbling) wipe down the surface and cut away.. Tape and sharpies work Awesome for a lot of things but not so much with heat.. just my experience..
AND NEVER CUT TO THE LINE !! Give your self a little space!!! Always sand to fit if you want to have your efforts to come out right.. Good luck man


all with basic hand tools.. Not that it's a spectral just a example

[Crawling Calvin]

Get some dykem so you got it for the future... trust me it is worth it for the $$$$ and hassle to get!

That said I have used sharpie before with decent results. The idea is you want something that gives a visual contrast on the part so it is easier to see your scribe lines. I can see how you could use enamel paint from a hobby shop, slop that on the steel and go from there

I agree with CHUD that having a 1:1 cut out is super nice! And yes NEVER cut on the lines or your going to regret it... always leave stock for finishing. It is easy to take metal off. It is a pain to put it back

[kgb424]

I scribed the lines and used the jigsaw too cut them

It took a little grinding to get them close

I finished them off with a file

It took me awhile

I like how the chassis rails came out

[BarHarborBasher]

Originally Posted by kgb424

I scribed the lines and used the jigsaw too cut them

It took a little grinding to get them close

I finished them off with a file

It took me awhile

I like how the chassis rails came out

FunFun !! I can't wait to build my first fully custom frame..

BTY your signature should say (R.C) Rock smoker LOL