Being a reviewer for a site like Aeroscale means you never quite know what the postman may bring but, call it synchronicity or whatever, sometimes it's almost uncanny how the very thing you're looking for turns up unexpectedly. The recent arrival of RB Productions' Pico Saws was a case in point.
I was searching in vain for an ultra-fine razor saw for a delicate piece of work. I've got a pretty extensive selection of tools, but none of my saws was remotely near fine enough – they simply damaged the piece I was working on. I tried online, but nothing I found was much better than what I already had.
Then, just as I'd given up hope, Radu Brinzan sent a sample set of his new Pico Saws. This was the answer I was looking for! The teeth are phenomenally fine. Radu quotes 48 teeth per cm (120 tpi) – which doesn't sound a lot, but believe me is dramatically finer any “average” razor saw. It's actually fine enough for the teeth to feel merely abrasive if you touch them gently – but don't be fooled... the Pico Saw is ferociously sharp, so don't push your luck or you'll regret it!
Set RB-T040 contains four stainless steel blades on an etched fret. Take a moment after removing each blade to file off any burrs before use. The blade can then be mounted in an X-Acto type handle, while a removable section also allows the blade to be gripped in a pin-vice.
The blades are shaped with a flat and a curved edge, with the teeth running right round. It's a delicate tool, designed for the finest work, so don't put undue pressure on it. Let the saw do the work, and it cuts styrene, resin and wood beautifully. It's ideal for clear parts where a coarser saw risks tearing the styrene. I've found the saw can double as a fine scriber, as the straight edge is great for running around wing leading edges.
Conclusion
At just 4 Euros per pack, RB Productions' Pico Saws are very affordable and will be a very useful addition to your modelling tool-kit. Recommended.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: The finest razor saws I've come across.Lows: Delicate and easily damaged.Verdict: RB Productions' Pico Saws are a very useful and good value addition to your toolkit for very fine or delicate work.
Our Thanks to RB Productions! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Rowan Baylis (Merlin) FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM
I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...
This just might be the answer I've been looking for to remove small, fine pieces from sprues that I consistently snap in half. Will have to do some google searches and see who has them on my side of the pond.
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