film cutters

[P3D Terry A. Mills <tamills@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,
I don't have a source for different cutters, but after I purchased the
'unlighted' cutter from Reel 3-D, I found it quite hard to see the image
that I was cutting.  Yes, you can remove the base and place it on a light
box, like they say, but that is awkward for me.  So I did the next best
thing.  I went to my friendly local neighborhood Radio Shack and purchased 2
of their minature light bulbs (1.5 v) and the smallist spst toggle switch
they had.  I wired the lamps  and switch in series and used an old battery
charger cube rated for 4 v dc output and presto, a lighted cutter.  I placed
a piece of aluminum foil under the lamps to act as a reflector, but on
reflection (grin) I think painting the inside of the cutter white would do a
better job.  Anyone who can weld (another grin) a soldering iron could do
the same.  Now I can see the images before I cut it.  Yes it is much dimmer
than if the cutter were setting on my light box, but it is MUCH handier.
Hope this helps others who are as fumble fingered as I.

Rev. T
Schulykill Haven, PA


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