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Tool Review
Hyper Cut Saw 0.1
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

The Japanese specialist saw manufacturers Alec have produced the first in a new range of modelling tools - the Hyper Cut Saw 0.1.

This is a photo etched razor saw and boasts a blade that is just 0.1 mm thick. This matches the thinnest PE blades I've ever found and makes the saw ideal for the most delicate work, such as separating canopies and control surfaces where a thicker blade would chew up a significant amount of the very piece you're working on.

Alec's Hyper Cut Saw differs from other PE saws in my tools armoury because the blade is mounted in a wooden handle. This seems oddly archaic on such a hi-tech tool, but actually works brilliantly. The handle is made of what appears to be balsa, so it's very light and balances the blade perfectly. It's comfortable to hold and is flattened so it can't roll off the workbench.

The saw blade itself is also unusual on several counts. Firstly, it's 6 cm long. That's far longer than any other PE blade I have and is made possible because it's mounted in a steel back like a tenon saw to give a little weight and keep the blade rigid.

The teeth may seem unusual to western eyes because they follow the traditional Japanese style and are "reversed" i.e. they are designed to cut when pulled instead of pushed. In fact, the saw is so sharp it actually does cut plastic and resin brilliantly on the forward stroke as well, and I found this gave an extra degree of control. The teeth are quite fine, but they are longer than my other PE saws and, when pulled back towards you, have a tendency to snag in styrene, but conversely cut through wood and hardened modelling clay perfectly when used this way (materials which quickly clog my other PE saws). This is a classic case of matching the tool and technique to the material to be worked on and, with this in mind, I hope Alec extend the range to include some smaller-toothed blades; in my opinion these would be just about the perfect razor saws for styrene.

I don't know how easily available Alec tools are outside Japan. The review sample was kindly provided by Platz and is well worth considering as part of a larger order from their extensive range of kits and accessories.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: A very thin, but uniquely long blade, mounted in a well balanced wooden handle. Cuts on both the forward and reverse stroke.
Lows:
Verdict: Alec's first modelling saw is a very useful addition to the range of specialist tools available.
Percentage Rating
85%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: AL0163
  Suggested Retail: 2,940JPY
  PUBLISHED: Dec 29, 2009
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.00%

Our Thanks to Platz!
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.

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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...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the heads up Rowan!! seems to be another nice tool. I still consider the TAMIYA Craft saw as one of my most valuable tools ... plus the Japanese have a long tradition in making cutting tools, so I guess they know their stuff. cheers Steffen
DEC 30, 2009 - 09:56 AM
That saw sounds really good. I hope it becomes available in the states. Thanks for the heads up on this product.
DEC 30, 2009 - 11:00 AM
While you're waiting, I recommend the JLC saw available from UMM-USA.
DEC 31, 2009 - 12:42 AM
These saws are great. I am a modeller and I use one myself. I also sell them, here in the US, and mail them all over the world. Here is a link to them on my website. LINK Please note that these saws are actually made by Hishika, who is a reknown sawmaker in Japan. Alec must be some kind of a retailer or distributor in Japan. I am not familiar with them. One comment on the saw, is it must be used with respect, like any fine tool. I put one out for demos at a show and somebody managed to bend the blade so badly that it was ruined. It is a precision tool and must be treated as such. That is not meant to scare anyone off. My 9 year old daughter uses this saw all the time and she has never bent it. Thanks, Lee
FEB 17, 2010 - 04:06 AM
Wow, I'm not crazy, I thought I saw this review but could never locate it. Thanks for the links to similar saws. I've been using back saws in my woodworking efforts for about a year now, and the improvement in straightness, speed and comfort is amazing. Need to get a few sheckles to gether for one of this mini wonders.
FEB 17, 2010 - 04:22 AM
Hi Lee Thank you for the extra info and link. I agree with you wholeheartedly - this is an excellent saw. All the best Rowan
FEB 17, 2010 - 05:55 AM
   
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