GeneK

View File FineMolds 1/72 F-15 Single Seat svg File SVG file for folks using other other than Silhouette cutters, or who want to trace/cut manually. Silhouette Studio 3 file is here. Gene K Submitter GeneK Submitted 10/10/2023 Category Canopy Masks

View File FineMolds F-15J 72 scale v6.studio3 Canopy plus wheel/spares and Air Refueling masks for new (Sep 2023) FineMolds 1/72 F-15J (and other single seaters to be released (A, C, ...). I'll post two seater masks after kits are released (Dec 2023). SVG file is here for folks who have other than SIlhouette cutter. Gene K Submitter GeneK Submitted 10/10/2023 Category Canopy Masks

The forthcoming new Silhouette machines (Portrait 4, Curio 2, and Cameo 5 )will have an optional static Electricity Technology mat that MAY work with small lettering/numbers. BUT the additional $100 COST MAY BE A DEAL BREAKER to many. Good details here. Portrait 4 and ET mat may work for me - total cost still high at $300. Gene K BTW, the latest version of Silhouette Studio has a much improved trace function. Edit: It appears that the ES mat for the Portrait will be/is appropriately smaller for the Portrait than the other ES compatible Silhouette cutters. I will get one for the new Portrait 4 I just acquired. No details or price available yet.

View File Supplement to MiloMinder Miss Virginia svg This file is a rescanned and simplified version of "Miss Virginia" lettering. Additionally, this file includes both the left and right fuselage side lettering since they differed in style. Gene K As an aside: I scanned the Tamiya decal sheet, traced using Silhouette Studio, simplified the trace nodes, and converted the resulting studio file file to svg using http://www.ideas-r-us-software.uk/FileConverters/SilhouetteStudioConverter.aspx .The latest version of Silhouette Studio has a much improved trace function. And yes, at this scale the lettering is likely too small to reliably cut masks using the current Silhouette machines ... BUT increase by 150% to 1/32 should be good. The forthcoming new machines (Portrait 3, Curio 2, and Cameo 5 )will have an optional Static Electricity Technology mat that MAY work with small lettering/numbers. BUT the additional $100 COST MAY BE A DEAL BREAKER to many. Submitter GeneK Submitted 10/08/2023 Category Aircraft - Military

MiloMinder, I posted the "Miss Virginia" lettering as a new, less "wavy" svg that can supplement your svg file if one wants. Note that the lettering is different on each side of the airplane - "straight" lettering on the left side, and italics on right. Gene K

Thanks, MiloMinder. Yes it's certainly useable in other machines. For example, the .dxf file imports directly into Silhouette Studio as a cut file (I have Designer edition, but will work in Basic also). For other plotters and cutting machines, there are many sites/apps that will convert the dxf to other vector formats such as svg so that your file can be used. For others: as MiloMinder stated, MIss Virginia is "wavy", and that's because it (apparently) was scanned and then converted to vector format -- meaning it's composed of literally hundreds of nodes. Yes, at a small cut size it appears OK**, but the cutting machine will be doing a heck of a lot of teeny tiny zig zags. It's possible to machine or manually simplify the trace, but that process normally results in some distortion. It takes more effort, but manual tracing would produce much smoother and truer results. Gene K ** Thanks again .... I didn't do the math to figure out the scale. Edit: I just saw in the LightBurn file that you posted that it's 1/48.

Thanks, Mike. I just posted this in that LSP thread: I've stored and used small rolls of Oramask 810 inside my house (normal heating and cooling) for many years without a problem. Gene K

The blade is dragging the Oramask off its backing while it's cutting, as suggested. Woody has some great pointers. When the outside edges are cut, the Oramask is well tacked down around the cut, but when the inside edges are cut, there is not much stick to anchor the Oramask against the drag of the blade, so the cut shape is pushed, especially around sharp corners. You can avoid some of that by selecting Line Segment Overcut in the dialog box where speed, force, etc is set -- it's under "More", as is Track Enhancing (which may also help). However, on very small text, Overcut could cut too far into the mask, actually cutting pieces off. If the problem persists, the best bet, I think, is to cut the inside and outside as separate masks and then layer them. For very small text, decals are the way to go. Gene K

Not judging by the picture: I'm assuming the optional electromagnetic mat's "suck" would be limited to light material - I can't see it holding, for example, cardboard cutting. Will be interesting if we can cut masks on it. I routinely cut tissue, so will be getting that mat. Probably expensive ... . Gene K

I understand, so Good luck! The new Portrait 4 will "only" cost a reasonable $200 here in the US. Unfortunately, it sounds like Silhouettes cost more in Europe ... for whatever reason. Gene K

The new batch of Silhouette hardware (Cameo, Curio, Portrait) is scheduled for "Fall 2023". Read about it here. After trials and tribulations with my Cameo 4, I purchased a Portrait 3 ... which suits me perfectly for masks. However, the added capabilities of the Cameo 5 will cost me a reasonable $350. Gene K

John, I assume you mean Portrait 3 and not Cameo 3 - correct? (You said "cameo portrait 3") The Portrait 3 is great for vinyl masks, but not sure what you mean by "enough power". The machine easily cuts vinyl, and if wanted, the carrier also. Since the Portrait is relatively inexpensive, I would buy a new machine (which comes with a warranty and no risk of unknown problems) rather than take a chance on a used one. You'll be liking and using the machine for a long time! 👍 Gene K

What scales? Gene K

"That Mozart guy" plays sweet music. He's terrific!!! 👍 Gene K

I apply Oramask 810 masks one over the other using this Parchment Paper Perfect Placement Plan to align the pieces: Many other parchment videos on YouTube -- works a treat. Gene K

Hats off to you, Dave, for that in-depth advice!!!👍 Nicely done. mdb - checking that the blade is fully down and locked, as Dave explained, seems pretty basic ... but I've suggested doing that more than once in my small hobby group. Gene K

Thanks Scan1701. I'll be downsizing your file to 1/72. Gene K

So you have a big head start for making masks and other items! 👍 Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Gene K

I have a good friend who used your files, reduced to 1/72, on the Academy kit, and he thanks you! I'll post a pic once he's finished. As an aside, I've reworked your 3D intakes to fit into the Hasegawa 1/72 F-4 series. So thanks again from a lot of us for those "starter" files. Gene K

I'm older and more retired than both of you! DaSWO (sorry I don't know your name), I did those masks, and I have some other non-mask items for the F-4 that may be of use to you. Drop me a PM. Since you're in San Antonio, any chance you're retired USAF? Gene K

The Portrait 3 is on sale again for $150 from SIlhouette America (shipping about $17) or Amazon Prime for $170. Great little machine! Gene K

Thanks, Max. To save others from searching out your WIP, here's the link . What a gorgeous build!!! Gene K