n e v o l u t i o n . o r g -- Model Tutorial -- Cutting Parts into Two Halves

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There are times (e.g., lengthen or shorten parts) during which we mignt want to cut parts into two halves. A critical criteria is the cut must be straight. This is sometimes difficult to achieve if the part is not flat (sadly, it is not flat most of the time). Let me show you a systemic way to do this easily.

	To cut a straight line, we have to make use of some tape. You can use any kind of tape, e.g., masking tapes. I think the ideal tape to use here are those for wrapping electrical wires because they are the thickist. Firstly, we stick the tape on the part, producing a straight line. This is where we would be cutting the part into two.
	The trick is we will start with a pin. We scratch the plastic carefully, following the ridge formed by the tape. The tape acts as a guide line for the pin. We have to use minimal force, and be very careful. Patience is very important here. Repeat scratching a few times. If you stop now and pull away the tape, you will see a newly crafted panel line! Tape + Pin + Plastic Scribber is one of the basic step in producing panel lines.
	When the cut is deep enough, we can use the plastic scribber. Follow the scratch formed by the pin. Repeat scribbing, and you can use more force now. This wouldn't take long to finish.
	Done! A more or less straight cut is formed. The edge should then be smoothened with a file and sandpaper.
	There is another simple way to cut parts apart. However this is a 'high-loss' method, which means a lot of plastic would be sanded away and the 2 parts obtained will be much shorter than the original. This is due to the massive sanding at the end of the process. To do this, I first scratch a more or less straight line with a knife.
	After that, use a plastic scribber and cut it apart. If the part is too thick, I'll consider using a saw.
	After I've cut the parts apart, I will polish the surface with a file, then on sandpaper until a flat surface is obtained. At least 2 mm of plastic would be lost in this procedure. If you want to shorten the part by 1 or 2 mm only, sand until it reaches your desired amount, then stick the parts together again. If you want to shorten more, cut more and throw away the unwanted part.