Could someone help. I keep on cutting myself on sharp hobby blades. Whenever I am cutting small pieces, I always seem to find my fingers (thumbs). What do you guys use to keep you skin intact.
My fingers thank you
The facetious answer would be care and attention!
I find I am more inclined to have accidents if the blade is not sharp (so replace blades often), or if I am trying to apply too much force (cut stock with several light strokes rather than trying to cut it in one pass). Also there are some tools that really help for specific applications like a sprue nipper for removing plastic kit parts. More recently I invested in a North West Short-line Chopper and have found it to be an invaluable aid for cutting strip wood for scratch building projects.
Izzy,
Are you using an X-acto knife? Do you find the handle difficult to control your knife with?
You might try investing in some flush- (NOT flesh-) cutting nippers. They work great in removing parts (especially small ones) from sprues and trimming strips of styrene. This may help you reduce the amount of time you need to use your blades.
Tom
Xacto knives do have a certain thirst for human blood.
Don’t worry, after a while you’ll build up enough scar tissue that it won’t bother you any more!
Find some piece of thin metal to put over your thumb.
Cutting yourself is not the acceptable way to cut and slice parts,plastic etc.
Keep your fingers and thumb away from the blade by holding the item being cut at least 1/4" from the blade and cut in slow even strokes.Hold the part sprue solid and apply LIGHT pressure while cutting the part off or invest in a pair of sprun nippers.
Instead of holding the piece in your hand, you might try cutting it on a plastic cutting mat on a table or desk instead. You can get plastic cutting mats at your local Wally World in the craft section, where all the beads and stamps and cra… stuff is.
At least you’re not using a regular knife. I learned about that the hard way. I was cutting a piece of plastic and the slipped and went all the way through my left hand, through the middle of the palm and out the top. OUCH!
Wear a thimble and see if that works out, or you could just pay a little more attention to cutting the piece, not your thumb.
*beegle55
Jeffery,I found a steak knife can be a useful tool on some projects such as cutting cork.I have also use it for trimming a under the track uncoupling magnet “pit”.A good pocket knife works as well…[:D]
Always keep your fingers on the opposite end of what you’re cutting. This way an errant cut will head away from your digits.
I use a utility knife, one of those things that takes a trapezoidal double-ended blade. It’s a hardware store item, which is usually cheaper than a hobby shop item. The larger handle makes it easier for me to hold and control than one of those pencil-thin X-acto knives.
The particular one I use is called a Nack Knife. It’s got a multi-blade cartridge that allows you to swap to a fresh blade in seconds. The blade retracts when not in use, too, so you can put it in your pants pocket without threatening your, uh, pants.
This past Sunday morning I was working on a plastic kit, trimming some sprue residue off a tiny part with my Xacto knife. Needless to say, I trimmed a little too much off - put a slit right across the tip of my finger on my fretting hand. Unfortunately this was about 8:30AM and I was supposed to play guitar with our ensemble at 10:30 mass.
This thing looks like it may take a month to heal. My own dumb fault and the blade was dull.
Sorry to hear that but I think it’s just a natural progression of life itself! I remember when I first got my Swiss Army knife and I was so excited and try to open all the blade and bits all at once and next thing I know, I can almost see the bone in my thumb and rushing down to my dad’s surgery! Then next tme I know to open one tool at a time! LOL
On a more serious note though, a good pair of nippers definitely will help, I have about 3 of different sizes for different application. Just picked up another Xurcon specialised pair just for photo-etched parts.
Do like I do and have someone else cut it for you (they won’t let me have sharp objects where I am).[%-)]
On monday I was studying [%-)] for finals with a building kit and exacto knife way early in the morning. Well, lets just say I’m missing some skin around my nail and have a nice cut their too! Moral of the story: when you’re supposed to be studying for finals real early in the morning, study, don’t put together a lumber yard kit! [;)]
Not to brag, but I’ve had few cuts from knives and blades, and I was a modelmaker. The trick is to be aware of what your doing at all times, to cut away from yourself, and keep as much distance between the blade and your fingertips at all times. There’s no need to be carving yourself up constantly. Like others here, I highly recommend Xuron cutters for sprues & other plastic parts.
Jeff and Iceman, those aren’t ouches, they’re more like something out of one of the “Saw” movies. Yuck! 
You try using a glove on the hand holding the piece. Home Depot sells safety gloves that are fairly thick. I have not tested whether an xacto knife would pierce them but I’m sure they would offer some protection (though at the price making things a little more awkward).
When you do cut yourself just dab on a little super glue on and continue working. Works better than a band aid. Even holds the skin down and in place.
I use that trick when my fingertips split during wintertime. It’s the only way I can get them to heal.