When modding something like a HWK290 what would you use to cut the wings off? The plastic is so hard the knife I use is having a very hard time with it. I don't want to ruin them since I was going to mod and reattach a few with the new wings I've made from other old junk toys I've had around but they where much softer plastic then the FFG models

Sprue clippers or a jeweller's/razor saw. Or just the finest kerf saw you have.

7 hours ago, thespaceinvader said:

Sprue clippers or a jeweller's/razor saw. Or just the finest kerf saw you have.

^ that. Coping saw (or just a short section of a coping saw blade secured in a pin vise) will do it.

I use a razor saw, typically, since it only removes material as thick as the blade is. And the blade is about as thick as an upgrade card.

If a saw is too awkward for the cut your're trying to make you could do it with a hobby knife. Using the right blade is key.

I use the chiseling blade on my X-acto, as you can push down and away from fingers and other parts (it's a #17 blade for the standard handle or a #18 for the medium weight and heavy weight handles). Watch your fingers whenever cutting. I'm sure many of us here have a scar or two we could have done without. The trick is not to try to cut through in one cut. Make many light, controlled cuts and eventually you'll get through--without spilling any blood!

The other tool to look for is a plastic scriber. Tamiya do a good one.

Depending on the model I sometimes score the plastic and bend it until it breaks along the desired cut line.

I would go with score and snap or snipping tool of some kind - a saw tends to remove a lot of material due to the thickness of the blade - even if it is a jewellers saw.

42 minutes ago, John Rainbow said:

I would go with score and snap or snipping tool of some kind - a saw tends to remove a lot of material due to the thickness of the blade - even if it is a jewellers saw.

A fine kerf razor saw removes almost no material (mine has a kerf about .5mm wide), and will tend not to distort the edges around the cut the way a scoring tool or clipper will. It's the best solution by far for long straight lines where you care about retaining material either side.