These are the kits I got, I'm not sure if I missed out on something else cool but this is what I liked. The amount of detail in the model is amazing, I'm looking forward to building them. I'm reading about nippers, it seems the recommendation is to have at least two, the Tamiyas for removing the parts from the sprue and the godhand for cleaning up the parts. Any other recommendation or guidance? I'm thinking of getting the PN-120 or SPN-120 and then this Tamiya.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PG73J4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_RKFQYX8JF01XX6ZTSKY5
I feel like I should hold off and build other things but at the same time zoids are really the only models I like besides some of the old G Gundam/Shining Gundam stuff that isn't very popular lol. Afraid the price of that Liger Zero will keep going up again if I don't grab it now and I have to jump in sometime soon since that Blade Liger is suppose to show up in November and Command Wolf sometime next March. I've settled on basically buying these to remove the parts https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010PG73J4/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and then a generic pair or sprue cutters for just splitting the plastic up. But as you mentioned is seems like Kotobukiya kits aren't very friendly even to seasoned builders.
A buddy said he would mail me "Gundam Astray Red Frame" RG 144 this weekend. Apparently it was just sitting in his closet so maybe that'll help ease me into the Liger Zero kit.
I'm using these: https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Sharp-Pointed-Cutter-NO-123/dp/B010PG73J4
I do have a pair like yours, which cuts about the same, but the blades are a bit thicker and the handles are smaller (less comfortable to use for me).
I wouldn't use them to cut gates less than 1mm from the part, and thick gates probably 2-3mm away.
Get something like this -
Or
Doesn't have to be those exact ones (those links are to japanese sellers i think, just look around for US seller), but the tamiyas are known to be good modeling tools and the 2nd one are entry level nippers - i actually still use them (older model). Dont get the cheap testors nippers (from hobby lobby/michaels), those are probably as bad as nail clippers...
Also, get:
Those are probably 4 basic essentials. Amazon has a lot of "gundam kits" that includes basic tools, but i don't know what brand/quality of the tools included.
Once you get decent basic tools, the build experience and results will be much better. Good luck, have fun and welcome to the hobby!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PG73J4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Don't use a knife, use flush cutters like these, and a small metal file to smooth off excess plastic. I'm sure you can find cheaper cutters than this, these are just what I use.
I’ve used both sprue nippers and a razor saw.
You're looking for a mid-grade nipper then. There's a couple of those, luckily. Generally in this tier you've got three typical choices- Mr. Hobby, Tamiya, and USAGundamstore
https://www.usagundamstore.com/products/usa-gundam-single-blade-nipper
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Hobby-MT106-Single-Nipper/dp/B08FCDS8ZX
All three of them are perfectly fine mid-range options and you can't go wrong with them. This knight has used them all plenty over the years for testing purposes, so I can personally attest to them. So just pick whichever of the three you like the most.
Keep in mind that even though they're mid-range you'll still want to carefully cut with them, as in terms of engineering mid-range nippers imitate high-range nippers, meaning they can potentially break if used poorly. Because of this it's ALWAYS recommended to have a shitty nipper on the side that you use specifically for cutting particularly hard parts (aka resin parts or clear parts, the only two kinds of hard plastic most of the time). So get one of these three for your general cutting, and then use your older pair to take care of cutting harder plastic.
Let this knight know if you're curious about anything else, friend.
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
TAMIYA America, Inc Sharp Pointed Side Cutter for… | $29.50 | $29.50 | 4.8/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
TAMIYA America, Inc Sharp Pointed Side Cutter for… | $29.50 | $29.50 | 4.8/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
These are not bad Tamiya Sharp Pointed Side Cutter NO.123 (74123) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PG73J4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_h5ibBb2XYXRSB
Here is the updated tamiya side cutters.
https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Sharp-Pointed-Cutter-NO-123/dp/B010PG73J4
Other option http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10343471
http://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Sharp-Pointed-Cutter-NO-123/dp/B010PG73J4
This one. It has been working great so far.