MikeTrice

Too late unfortunately. Will see if I can do something at the weekend.

CB09 Ali Cutter holder arrived today

I have had to pack my machine away for the moment, but I have a question that someone might be able to answer. If I wanted to "spot" the position where the door handles go to act as a drilling aid can the Silhouette do this? For example if a tiny circle was put on the spot would the machine cope? Thanks.

Yes, that works well. It did also show up a couple of imperfections in my artwork.

Thanks for all your input Jason. See what you have started? My first attempt after a blow over with primer - showing all the imperfections Still lots of lessons learnt for my next attempt.

10 thou panelling was cut twice with cutter depth of 5 20 thou also cut twice at 8 setting. Next time I would use depth of 4 for 10thou and 10 for 20thou. Harder to get, 15thou might be a good option for the base.

Taking a leaf out of JCL's book and having the opportunity to add something back: how to cut directly from Inkscape. First off all you need the appropriate printer driver installed. This was found in the driver directory of the software disk that came with the machine: Once installed, from Inkscape choose "Print" and select the Silhouette driver: Click on Preferences: In my case I have selected "Use cariier sheet". Click on "Cutline Settings" tab: Click on "Modify Color" and select "Black" or the colour you have used in your artwork: Finally back on the Preferences screen press "Ok" and proceed to print: The only downside to printing direct is you get less options for cutting, so the speed is pre-set and not configurable, however from a convenience perspective it is worth giving up these options as I can now use the layers in Inkscape

Continuing on from my earlier "first attempt" here are the 20thou parts. For these I did scribing of the door lines and ventilator hoods: The 20thou was largely snapped out and still needs some cleaning up with files. After laminating the various components together: More than happy with the result

Well I am. My first attempt in 10thou plasticard. Artwork in Inkscape printed using the Silhouette Portrait printer driver that come with the machine. I had to use post it notes to hold the panel reasonably flat to photograph it. 5p coin for comparison.

Well, I have created my artwork in Inkscape (which has the benefit of layers and more accurate drawing). I had read that it was possible to export the Inkscape drawing as a cutter file, which results in a .dxf file extension. Silhouette Studio can then open the .dxf file. What became clear is that there are problems exporting some curves so you are limited to what drawing tools are used. My artwork is for a fully panelled coach with curved corners to the panelling so not a lot got exported correctly. I recognise I could upgrade to Studio Designer edition (which opens .svg files that Inkscape creates) but would then lose layer control and there would still be no guarantee the curves would convert correctly. Hopefully all is not lost as it seems it is possible to cut directly from Inkscape using the cutter driver. Have not installed the driver yet, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work.

Out of interest, I ordered a Portrait from Yolo Wednesday evening. Delivered today using free postage. I have lots of ideas I want to try out but for the moment JCL, am content to let you continue your excellent tutorial. No pressure then ;-)

There are some really interesting concepts on that thread, but bear in mind it is using one of the earlier generation of Silhouettes. Sorry, wrong link. It is actually one referred to by the first link: http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=23354.0

Given in and ordered a Portrait.

Given the mixed abilities of people likely to be reading this I would say you have the detail just right. Really enjoying this so keep them coming please.

But Allan, just imagine using this machine to cut out those tiny bricks now that the old computer card chad is a thing of the past ;-)

Out of interest I wonder if a 24" x 12" mat can be cut into 3 * 8" X 12" mats? Would work out cheaper. I also suspect a Silhouette Portrait should be sufficient for producing 4mm coach sides.

Can I second that JCL? Brilliant thread. Very tempting.

When using Vallejo it is far better to apply two thin coats than try and do it in one. And yes it does normally take two coats.

I would guess that any white primer would do. We should add that Halfords paints are intended for use retouching cars but are vey popular with modellers. From memory they are made by Hycote.

You might be able to remove the Clear with diluted household ammonia. It worked on Klear

If you find it comes out too dark just brush the paint out more and wipe the brush occasionally on a tissue or dip the brush in thinners. The key thing is you have time to make corrections, or even wipe off the whole finish providing you do it before it fully dries.

Thanks for the clarification. Good luck.

Sorry, just cottoned on. Where the Horseboxes varnished teak?

Good luck with 7mm Mike, look forward to hearing how you get on. Humbrol Clear is a new product in the UK which has been introduced as a substitute for what was Klear (or Future in the USA), so it dries gloss. For wheel centres and solebars use Humbrol Matt 62 if you can get it. There are various sites around that map Humbrol colours to other makes. EDIT: Try Testors 1736

I don't consider myself a skilled painter hence why I have adopted techniques where I can take my time and correct mistakes as I go. I have also made mistakes along the way and have presented those as being just as valuable as the successes. I actually find it quite therapeutic so would not hesitate to do it again in the future.