How to cut rectangle micro windows?

[NCC1966]

So, I just received my 1:1400 Enterprise E kit and am studying how to prepare it for lighting. The main issue I am facing at the moment is how to cut the micro-windows that may have roughly 0.5 x 3mm.

Ideas? Tips?

[MEATLOAFr]

use a small file to square them up, after drilling then out

otherwise a sharp x-acto knife to do it the hard way

[NCC1966]

The problem is to find a file that small...

[MEATLOAFr]

The problem is to find a file that small...

harbor freight - at least state side

https://www.harborfreight.com/quickview/ ... ex/id/245/
https://www.harborfreight.com/quickview/ ... dex/id/12/

if you need them shipped to you, let me know

[NCC1966]

I don't know, by the pictures they don't seem to be so little. I have a very similar set and the smaller ones are still big for such delicate job. I would feel myself more secure if they informed the size of the tips. Never mind, I think I will go for small drill bits and a sharp hobby x-acto.

[RogueWolf]

I've had some success with using micro flat tip screwdrivers. Just heat them up over a candle flame and melt them through the window. Here is a quick example of the screwdrivers I'm talking about;

https://www.amazon.com/5-Piece-Micro-Sc ... B005ZHRO4S

Of course you have to be careful anytime you go to melt plastic, so be warned!

[NCC1966]

This is a very good idea, and seems to be fast too! I have some of these screwdrivers here. Thanks for the tip!

[trekriffic]

You can take some cardboard nail files in different grits and cut them to the width of the window slot. Should work well for cleanup after you drill and cut out the remainder with your exacto knife. Just don't cut out too much with the exacto.
You want the slot a little undersized so you can nail file out the rest under control and have a nice uniformly shaped window. It spoils the illusion of reality when your windows are unevenly shaped IMO.

[NCC1966]

You can take some cardboard nail files in different grits and cut them to the width of the window slot.

This is an ingenuous idea! Thanks for this!