With Resin Model Kits

Transcript*

Intro

Hello all, this is David from Loisirs vers le soleil. Of the many things that I am dying from, resin dust inhalation is one of them. So, in today’s video, I’m going to show you how to properly work with resin and save your life.

Belcher Bits Example

The subject I will be using for this video is a resin wheel from Belcher Bits made specifically for Tamiya’s 1/48 scale Lancaster. Now, most resin comes on either a thick block like this, or you’ll also see resin attached to a little plate with these tree branch like things uh holding it in place.

But, uh, regardless of what’s holding the part together, the best way to remove a resin part from its holding is with a serrated razor, something with teeth like this. Now, unfortunately, what that does is create resin dust, which as I’ve alluded to is extremely dangerous to inhale. It’s very toxic.

Safety Equipment

So, it is very important that you have a respirator on when doing this. Here, let me help you out. There you go. It also helps to have some paper towel on the area where you’re working so that uh the shavings can all collect on here and you can just pick it up, throw it in the trash and not have to worry about it.

Using the Saw

All right. So, I’m going to grab my razor and my resin wheel and let’s get started. This saw I’m using has two different kinds of teeth to it. Uh, one that’s uh wider apart and a finer one. Uh, to get a cleaner cut, I’m going to be using the finer end. And you’re just going to saw your way through this.

And there you go. Nice smooth, clean cut. And we’re going to throw all this trash out. Yeah, don’t ever bother trying to use sprue cutters to remove resin from a block like this. Uh you’ll just ruin it.

Wet Sanding

Now, as clean as we got that, it’s still not baby’s bottom smooth. So, another technique that we use when working with resin is called wet sanding. So, you’ll take either some sandpaper or a sanding sponge and just dip it in some water. So, for this video, I’m going to be using Tamiya’s new sanding cloths, uh, a 600, a 1500, and a 3000 grit.

So yeah, as I was saying, cut a piece of this out. Uh just dip it in a bowl of water and just sand like you normally would as the u the water kind of helps uh diminish the resin dust as well as um give you a a smoother finish. So, I’ve got my cup of water here and I’ve cut out my three sanding sheets. So, we’re going to get started. Just simply dip your sanding paper in the water. It’s nice and wet now. And uh just sand like you normally would. See that is wet resin dust and obviously uh dust that is wet uh becomes less um how do you say it? Light in the air, so harder to inhale, thus keeping you alive.

So, uh I’m just going to buff it out with these higher grit sanding papers and then we’ll see how our product looks. All right, you’re safe now. So, this can come off. So, despite any remnants that were left over when we saw this off of the block, they are sanded smooth now. So, the wet sanding technique does in fact work. and I can attest to it.

Final Clean

Now, you’ll need to uh clean this up a bit just to get rid of any dust particles that may still be on it, as well as um just keep it clean so that uh whatever paint you put on top of it will adhere better to it. You just want to take some dish soap, uh, preferably Dawn, and just bring that to your sink. Uh, pour a little of it on it and rinse it clean. Uh, I will take you to the sink, uh, to show you a demonstration in case you have no idea what I’m talking about. Heat. Heat. That was pretty much all I wanted to go over in this video.

More Resin Advice

However, before I sign out, I would like to provide a few more tidbits on the inner mechanisms of working with resin. So, let’s say you want to glue this on to some plastic or another resin piece. Best thing to use is CA glue. Uh there are glues out there made specifically for res resin such as this VMS one. Uh I use this. It’s pretty good. You can also use regular CA glue from brands like BSI or Inoteca.

However, I’ve noticed that some CA glues take longer to cure on resin than others. So, some may need accelerators. Just be mindful of that. Now, when it comes to painting these, you’re going to want to prime it, especially if the paint you’re going to use on top is acrylic. Now, you can use something like Vallejo, but if you want it to withstand, I don’t know, getting touched, then you’re going to have to go with a lacquer primer. So, you can use something like Alclade or if you are very lucky and you still have some Mr Finishing Surfacer. And if you do have Mr Finishing Surfacer, can you spare some cutter, me, brother? Anyway, that’s that.

David’s Conclusion

In conclusion, that’s that is how you safely work with resin. I wish I practiced what I preach, but I assure you everything I told you is 100% fact. So, if you are ever looking for the tools and supplies to safely work with resin, you can find them at Sunward Hobbies in store or online. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go pass on to the other room. So, thanks for watching the video.

Remember to like, comment, subscribe, follow us on our socials, and until the next one, adios.

They actually thought I was dying.

About the Author:

David Peckam has built scale models since he was 12, specializing largely on military aircraft. He is a makeup artist and background actor for films and TV. He enjoys watching hockey and of course, movies. He has an excellent knowledge of hobby products and if you have questions concerning scale model airplanes.

*Video by David Peckham
Video Edited by Daniela Castellano
Transcript generated by youtube
Edited by Angelo Castellano