6: Here is the result of using colored pencils to lighten/darken
individual “boards” on the car.
6
Let’s start with parallel lines. As shown in Photo 7, start by
placing a pair of triangles adjacent to each other. The type
or size of the triangles or which sides are adjacent to each
other doesn’t make any difference. Assuming that you are
right-handed, hold the triangle on the left with your left
hand. This will be the “fixed” triangle, while the other will
be the “sliding” triangle. To make a parallel pencil line or
cut, simply move the sliding triangle up and down as shown
in Photo 7. As long as you don’t move the fixed triangle; all
of the lines or cuts will be parallel.
What value is this technique? Let’s go back to the example of
cutting decals. Rather than simply eyeballing where to cut lines
of decals apart to minimize the extraneous film, use this tech-
nique. Hold the pair of triangles loosely together while align-
ing the sliding triangle to the bottom of a line of lettering on a
sheet of decals. Once lined up, hold the fixed triangle in place.
7: When you have two drafting triangles, you can easily make
parallel lines. The fixed triangle is on the left (since I am left-
handed) while the sliding triangle is on the right. Here I am mov-
ing the sliding triangle upwards while holding it against the fixed
triangle to create two parallel lines. The “ghost image” shows
the sliding triangle after being slid toward the top of the photo.
7
Then position the sliding triangle just above the line of decals
you want to cut free (since you can see through the triangle)
and make the top cut with your hobby knife. Without moving
the fixed triangle, slide the sliding triangle down to just below
the lettering and make the second cut. You then only need to
cut the “ends” of the lettering to finish cutting it apart.
If you want to be extra cautious when cutting out decals (or
lines of resin rivets), always hold the triangle covering the part
that you want to keep. If the hobby knife accidentally swerves
away from the triangle, the rest of the decal or line of rivets
won’t be ruined.
The tool shed - 4
MRH-Aug 2013
