Cutting canopies from their moulding / flashing

[Stuart Z]

Hi folks

I would like your advice. When it comes to cutting canopies free of their flashing the basic shape can be done by rubbing on abrasive on a flat board. But, when it comes to more complex cutting, say a Spitfire canopy with two levels at the back and a 45 ish degree slope to the front, sanding is not going to be easy.

Looking for your thoughts, small scissors come to mind, but is that the best way and avoid splitting?

Thanks in anticipation.

S

[Ron Gray]

i use scissors to do a rough cut and then finish off with a razor plane / permagrit block or Dremel sanding drum running at low revs (prevents plastic melting).

[Bob Cotsford]

Where you have a step in an edge drill a small hole (1/16", 1.5mm) in the corner so that you cut to the hole. This helps to stop it splitting from the corner.

[Jon Laughton]

Yes to all the above....best to use curved scissors and have some in different sizes

[Stuart Z]

Thanks guys

I’ll be getting some fine straight and curved scissors this weekend! Already have the dremel sanders and can give that a go!

Thanks again!

S

[Cuban8]

I find that scoring with a sharp pointed scalpel and then snapping off the waste works as well. Different methods for various canopy shapes, obviously.

[Stuart Z]

Thanks C8

All ideas welcome. Fed up with ragged edges and splits so these ideas / tools now taken on board.

S

[Steven S]

After cutting the canopy to its rough final shape I plan on wrapping some emery cloth over the fuselage [grit side up] and sliding the canopy back and forth over it to the final shape on my Grumpy Tiger Cub. I saw a picture of it recently and it seems a good idea to try. I'll find out soon enough.

[Ron Gray]

Further to my post above, I use these as they offer different sizes of sanding drums for the Dremel **LINK**

[Steven S]

This is what I was trying to describe in my earlier post.

[Stuart Z]

Thanks Steven,

Looks a good idea to get the fuselage profile.

S