Steve EJ

Thanks @GeneK.

I didn't mean to get too far into the details here...was just looking for a starting place.

Those other forums sound really helpful for getting started.  I'll look through them.  

Thanks @denders. 

Hope the wife's recovery is complete and faster than expected.

My mother-in-law just had that done a little less than 2 months ago.  She slowed down her recovery by pushing herself too hard and being on her feet a lot.  (Cooking, cleaning...which, admittedly, she lives alone so it's not like anyone can do that for her.)  

So help your wife follow recovery guidance.  🙂   

-Steve EJ

Thanks @denders.  I've compared the blade I have to the pics on the Silhouette AutoBlade website...and as far as I can tell, they're identical down to plastic housing molding and assembly lines.

So...assuming blade is in serviceable condition...is it a good option for Ultramask and Oracal films?

BTW, I greatly ppreciate your help getting me started.

23 hours ago, denders said:

Steve, post a picture of the blade.

 

I've been using Artool UltraMask, others use Oracal 810, and the sheets from Tamiya that is material similar to their tape.

 

UltraMask Artool Ultra Mask Professional Masking Film — Midwest Airbrush Supply Co

 

Oracal 810 Oramask 810 Stencil Vinyl Choose Your Length – CraftCutterSupply.com

 

Dave

 

Thanks for the suggestions on mask material, Dave.

When I looked at the blade over the weekend, it looked rather generic.  I don't recall seeing any identifying markings, text, numbers.  Just a gauge of some sort, which I believe indicates blade extension/cutting depth.   I don't think I can post photos without a hosting source.  (I don't use Pinterest or similar.)  But I'm 99% certain it's an AutoBlade (Type A).  https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/blades/SILH-BLADE-AUTO

Just got the Silhouette SW loaded on my PC.  Haven't bought the 'upgrade' SW yet...just trying to get my bearings.

Looking to do a simple test-run.

Looking for a couple of suggestions on:

-Appropriate material for paint masks

(presumably some sort of vinyl with adhesive on a backing)

-New blade  

(the used cutter I got came with a blade...but I have no idea what type it is or the condition it is in)

-tutorial/link/thread on how to do a text mask

(want to do a test run on a generic "NAVY" and "VF-84" for the tail of a USN aircraft...even if it's just cutting it on a piece of printer paper)

Thanks for helping me get started.

-Steve EJ

Thanks for the suggestions @Mozart and @GeneK .  

I actually 'bought' the Cameo through off the 'classified ads' at my workplace.  I was supposed to meet the person yesterday to pay for/pick it up...but we're in the middle of a blizzard and I worked remotely instead of going in to the office.  So I won't have it in my hands until Monday (if weather cooperates).

I'll probably start fiddling around with it next weekend.

A friend in my local IPMS club has the same one, so he offered to help me get started and give a tutorial.  

I also introduced my friend to this forum...so he might be stopping in, too.

Looking forward to getting started.

-Steve EJ

Good day everyone!

I am a modeler from the city of Grand Rapids, USA.  (We happen to be getting a blizzard right now.)

I mostly build aircraft in 1/72 and 1/48 scale, and I have been considering getting into creating my own masks for a year or so.

My initial interest here is painting aircraft graphics and lettering/numbering instead of using decals that are hard to find, expensive, or damaged.  

Yesterday, I came across a previously owned, well-maintained Silhouette Cameo 3 with some extras for $60.  Seemed like a good entry point, so I jumped on it.

I use Hyperscale Forums regularly, and saw this website posted by a member several months ago.  I just joined this forum now that I have a cutting machine.

Looking forward to learning from everyone here as I get into this new aspect of modeling.

See you around!

-Steve EJ