The RC Deep Dive

Always Cut Away From Yourself For Safety!

The RC Deep Dive

Show Notes

Many of us are taught early on the safety rule to always cut away from yourself with a knife to stay safe. But is there an exception to this rule in the radio-controlled model vehicle hobby? Can scoring R/C model vehicle Lexan polycarbonate body shells and cutting out intricate decals be done easily and effectively while cutting away from yourself? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we dive deep into cutting safety and how the exceptions can sometimes prove the rule. NOTE: We recommend always using a finger blade for any cutting on your R/C model vehicle, when possible, and only moving the decals, not the knife. whenever possible for both safety plus the best biomechanics and ergonomic control.

More from The RC Deep Dive

Oct 22, 2026

Many people like to use an airbrush to paint their radio-controlled model vehicles' Lexan polycarbonate or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) body shells. But which is the best airbrush for each type of plastic, and is there any all in one airbrushing solution? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we review and rate airbrushes and find the best solutions for R/C car, truck, buggy, jeep, van, bus, tank, plane, boat, helicopter, and drone hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Oct 21, 2026

Some people prefer too use airbrushes to paint their radio-controlled model vehicles' Lexan polycarbonate or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) body shells and some people prefer to use Tamiya's spray paint rattle cans. Why such a disparity? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we look at both the positives and negatives of each method and answer which option is best for you, the R/C car, buggy, truck, jeep, van, bus, or tank hobbyist.

Oct 20, 2026

While the reres (re-releases) of the Tamiya HotShot family of 4WD (four wheel drive) R/C buggies had some serious updates over the iconic vintage originals, there are still a lot of hop-up options available for this entire family of icons, both for the vintage and rere editions. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we rank them and put them in tiers of necessity to build the ultimate 4WD buggy. [NOTE: We still strongly recommend the MIP (Moore's Ideal Products) Super Ball Diff for the HotShot family even though it is difficult to find since it is currently discontinued]

Oct 19, 2026

The HotShot Family of 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) radio-controlled buggies were iconic and each new family member was an improvement upon its previous kin. But when Tamiya re-released these R/C buggies they made massive improvements both family-wide but also to each individual radio control model vehicle too. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we break down each of these major improvements to the reres.

Oct 18, 2026

In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we look at the chemistry behind the physics and give A to F grades to the big 5 radio-controlled model vehicle hobby lubrication manufacturers, AE (Associated Electronics)/Team Associated/FT (Factory Team), Hudy, JConcepts, 1Up Racing, and Tamiya/TRF (Tamiya Racing Factory). The analysis utilizes a grading system (A-F) based on six distinct vectors: Reputation, Innovation, Affordability, Availability, Durability, and Longevity. [NOTE: Although new products from most of these companies are now made mostly in buckets rather than squeeze bottles, there are still squeeze bottles in distribution warehouses and in local R/C hobby shops, so some brands still get a minor deduction in their grade for extant leaking containers.]

See all episodes →