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Which nibbler for trimming out rectangular window holes in styrene?

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  • Member since
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Posted by PC101 on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 8:43 PM

A little late to the party but usefull information. I have one from Radio Shack that was made in Taiwan. Over the years it has cut/notched/nibbed for me plastic/styrene and lead sheet. I'm not sure of the thickness at this time but I have notched brass and aluminum sheeting (you just need to read the instructions on metal. I see that tool will cut 18 gauge non hardened metal). 

I modified mine a little by dipping the handles in liquid rubber, now there is no slipping of the tool in my hands. It definitely takes less squeeze effort to hold and use the tool (well I should say it does takes the same effort to cut the material of course, just less effort to hold the tool). Oh and if used correctly I can notch out wood.  

 

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Posted by IDRick on Sunday, November 27, 2022 5:10 PM

Thanks for head up, jjdamnit.  Was able to get free shipping with the size of my micro mark order (included other items).  The 15% off for text mail notifications was no longer available.

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Posted by jjdamnit on Sunday, November 27, 2022 10:52 AM

Hello All,

I purchased the Micro-Mark version, Nibbling Cutter.

They have it listed for a dollar less than the one at Amazon and if you sign up for text notifications you get an additional 15% off.

I try not to shop at Amazon so I don't mind paying for shipping to support independent companies- -if you are an Amazon Prime member.

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

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Posted by IDRick on Saturday, November 26, 2022 10:14 PM

Thank you for your replies!  A nibbler looks like a great tool for a scratch building novice like me!  Thank you for sharing your experiences.

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Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, November 26, 2022 6:48 PM

IDRick
If not, do you have a recommendation?

I would not be at all surprised that that particular type of nibbler is manufactured in one factory. Off the cuff, I would have said China, but note the one you’ve linked to is “Made in Taiwan”.
 
Not that I’ve done much modelling for a while, but mine which looks the same as your link, is a useful tool in the modelling tool box.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, November 26, 2022 4:31 PM

I have the Micro Mark Nibbler which looks similar to the one that you linked to. Works like a charm. I used my nibbler extensively to scratch build a structure with lots of window and door openings. It is very precise when used correctly.

Rich

Alton Junction

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  • From: Canada, eh?
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Posted by doctorwayne on Saturday, November 26, 2022 3:58 PM

I seem to vaguely recall using a nibbler for some long-ago project, but found it easier to simply create the openings using a utility knife...on a large project, like the one shown below...

...it was a faster method than a nibbler, and also did double-duty for scribing the joints between the faux ashlar "stone" .

I have also tried using a corner chisel ...

...to create window openings in a sheet of Walthers hard plastic "brick" material, but the first whack of the hammer pretty-well shattered most of the sheet....another lesson learned. Whistling

Wayne

  • Member since
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  • From: saskabush
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Posted by wvgca on Saturday, November 26, 2022 3:46 PM

i have had one of those for a long time now, and it works great ..

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Which nibbler for trimming out rectangular window holes in styrene?
Posted by IDRick on Saturday, November 26, 2022 2:37 PM

I have read suggestions in this forum to use a nibbler to trim out a window hole in styrene sheet.  Links were not provided for the nibbler and lots of options out there...  Is this nibbler a good option?  Claims to be able to cut up to 1/16 inch plastic.  If not, do you have a recommendation?

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