Modifying Mego Boots

[aburabusimbutu]

I need to trim a pair of Mego boots down. I thought this would be simple until I really examined them and discovered they were actually a pretty hard plastic. Any advice on how to trim them down, keep them even, and keep the lines clean?

[Figuremaster Les]

Hey Abu. I would mark a line in pencil carefully where you wish to trim them down to, then very carefully spiral trim down to that line. If you mark it well and flat, you can mark both and get them exact before you ever cut. Then just do one carefully, then the other, using the first one as an absolute guide.

You can also add a strip of tape to the line of both. That is always a good pre-cut technique that makes sure you don't go below the line. Use the tape as a straight edge for accurate edging.

Lemme know if that works! ;D
Les

[aburabusimbutu]

I like the tape suggestion! Any suggestions on what to cut it with? Remember, I am totally new to this and my first instict is a small pair of scissors (like for trimming cuticles).
I'll want to test on an extra pair of boots I have first.

[Wild Willy]

I have not done any trimmin of mego boots before, but i would probably try passing a hot blowdryer over the boot to soften it up a it.

Scissors would also be what I would use as well, but probably a good strong pair which will cut easily.

Will

[Figuremaster Les]

I always use a very sharp exacto and trim in a spiral down to where I want it. However, scissors will work, you just need to get a good spiral started and carefully work it down to the correct line. I am a bit reluctant on the scissors as I don't use them often, but you use what you can control best. Experiment on a similar small item, a cup or a thin plastic tube or whatever, before you try the real deal.

What's the old saying "measure many times but cut once" I suggest that by practicing several times here. Get proficient with the way you plan to cut first, then cut the boots.

[aburabusimbutu]

Just wanted to follow up with a big Thank You to Wes and Will. The tape and the blowdryer were the keys to success and the boots came out exactly how I'd hoped! I would not have thought of either and would have otherwise probably ended up with uneven cracked boots. Thanks guys!!

[Wild Willy]

Thats Great Kevin, having them uneven leads to chopping them down more and more until you need to start again. Like my Father used to say " I cut it twice and it's still too short!"
We look forward to seeing your project Kev.

Will

[BlackKnight]

I just cut them with scissors no problems at all, guess I'm lucky I never cut them wrong yet.....

[aburabusimbutu]

You probably have a better eye than I do!
The white boots were repros and were in a very rigid plastic- not soft like usual Mego boots. So softening them up was necessary or else they would have cracked!

[BlackKnight]

Just to let everyone know,.. Doc now carries white boots made in china. Soft like mego boots.

[Wild Willy]

That's great to know Jason, having them in white will make them pop more if painted with bright colors.

Will