Plastic cutters

[wozza17]

I need new plastic cutter and I was just wondering which ones are the best

[lowelife101]

none are, in my experience it's usually best to buy the cheapest brand you can find, snip the components you're using free leaving some of the sprue behind, clean any mold lines from it with a craft knife using the sprue offcut to hold it by and then finally cut it off using a good quality craft knife (GW ones are expensive but i've struggled finding any others with such a good quality handle on it that doesn't flex as you scrape) finishing up with some fine emery paper to tidy up the burr left behind.

In conclusion you should experiment with your choice of tools as everyone is different. Back when I was a kid GW used to sell miniature coping saws for customising metal models but now they only sell a razor saw which works but just isn't as effective, however you ask younger gamers and they find it way easier than my old fret saw. Ask to borrow your friends tools if your worried about wasting money on useless stuff and see what you think of what they use. Also remember the old maxim "not designed for purpose does not always mean unfit for purpose" the amount of tools i've bought from jewellers equipment supply shops far exceeds the stuff i have that was made with models in mind. To that end if you get the opportunity buy some Glardon-Vallorbe swiss jewellers files do so, they can be harsh on resin but for plastic and metal they are excellent for cleaning up pesky molding faults and last a lot longer as you can soak them in hot vaseline to unclog them.

[Klajorne]

I started off with a pair of heavy duty wire cutters. Now I use a pair of jeweler's snippers, since the former was a bit big and clunky. Then I just use a box cutter to shave off the mold lines. As mentioned above, I tend to leave a little of the sprue attached. So long as the clippers are small enough to fit into the newer, tighter sprues, it works fine.

[Kev]

I got these from work, they're not cheap but they're designed for cutting model rail track so they're well strong and will last for years and years.

ehattons.com - Gaugemaster Controls XU2175B

[Lamenter1]

as you are in the uk try taking a look through one of the electronic supliers online ( RS , Rapid or Farnell ) or perhaps try your local Maplins store . There are many good and afordable clippers designed for copper that will last an eternity if treated well, or if you are feeling flush ones that will cut piano/steel wire . Just remember you need flush and not beveled ones . The ones i work with ( as an electronics technician start from around £2.00 forbargin basement cutters and range right through to £35.00 for all singing all dancing precision cutters .
Mine were middle of the road at about £10 but have lasted for about 15 years so far and will handle metal and plastic equally as well