Yes removing the tabs and using a 3rd piece of paper on the back to hold together the 2 parts is really good technique, but really depends on how well you can cut. I mainly work with scissors, and it is hard to cut edes straight enough to use it. So I mainly use it when I can cut with a ruler and scapel, mainly long strait edges on flat objects ... which I don't build much ofUsing the backsides of pieces attached too tabs is about the only thing they are good for. I advise most people to remove them, as they do not work with them properly, and end up with big gaps showing. This thread shows great technique. Maybe you could address the pros and cons and when you should use tabs, and when you shouldn't, and "tab" preparation to avoid gaps.
In my opnion:
Tabs:
Pros:
- Less prone to gaps ¯\_/¯, due to the cut lines not being paralell/straight.
- Good for curved edges/surfaces, where I can play with the limited elasticity of slightly wet paper. A little slip on the lines is not that noticable.
- Easier to cut (at least with scissors)
Cons:
- Prone to elevated edge ¯\_ (can be mitigated with the techinque above)
- Can be hard to use on small parts
- For hard edges etching the fold lines takes more time. When used with thicker paper folded flaps may result in less sharp edges than required.
Without tabs:
Pros:
- Great to hide edges (If you can cut it precisely)
- Great to make hard edges
Cons:
- Curved edges require very precise cutting to avoid gaps in the corners.
- Hard to do curved surfaces with it (ok this one greatly depends on mesh complexity of the template too)
Depends:
- When using thicker paper on a complex shape the extra layer might introduce some tension to the parts, or add stability, depends I guess.
Conclusion:
Both techiques are good depending on the situation.
I mainly do curved surfaces and prefer scissors, so I mainly use tabs, but for boxy shapes and hard edges I do cut the tabs off most of the time.
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