Essential tools
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 6:51 am
When coming back to the hobby, or just starting out, what do you need to get started? This is by no means an exhaustive list but will be added to as we go.
A workspace - Can be dedicated or it can be the dining room table! It can be in the garage, basement, attic rooms, extra bedrooms, just about anywhere you can find room. Get a decent cutting mat to protect the surface. They can be found in craft stores.
Lighting - Two good lamps, one on each side of your workspace. Eliminates shadows. You may also want to consider buying a lighted magnifier type of lamp. Useful for the small stuff. And as I've gotten older, it all is becoming small stuff!
Comfortable chair - 'nuff said.
A decent hobby knife - Xacto is one brand, Excel is another. #11 blades fit both and they are sharp. Keep a supply of new blades on hand. Sharp knives work much better and are much safer. As you progress, you will find additional knife choices that may suit your needs. Oh, tape a toothpick along the handle to keep them from rolling off your workspace. Yes, they will and yes, it will stick in your foot. Yes, I know this to be true.
Sprue cutters - You can buy dedicated ones for 18 - 20 dollars or you can find some that are less expensive at the local hobby shop or craft store. Nail clippers will work as well. It simply makes it easier to remove the plastic and not damage the parts. Still need to be careful with clear parts, though. They can be brittle.
Glue - There are literally more choices that you can imagine. Some are pretty aggressive chemically and should be used with caution. You have:
Brushes]/b] - Any painter will tell you to get a good set of brushes and then take care of them. Same here. You may not need many, but buy good ones. Size 0 up to 1/4" or so will likely get you started.
Other supplies - sanding sticks, sandpaper, paper towels, Windex, isopropyl alcohol (91%), nail files, emery boards, nail polish remover, . . . The list goes on and on. There are so many things that you will finc useful as you go down the path to true nirvana. Many are found in the non-hobby areas and stores. Just ask!
Patience Probably the biggest need. I don't have it in the quantities I need. Sit back, relax and enjoy the hobby. Take your time, ask questions on the forum. We have terrific people here that love to help out.
A workspace - Can be dedicated or it can be the dining room table! It can be in the garage, basement, attic rooms, extra bedrooms, just about anywhere you can find room. Get a decent cutting mat to protect the surface. They can be found in craft stores.
Lighting - Two good lamps, one on each side of your workspace. Eliminates shadows. You may also want to consider buying a lighted magnifier type of lamp. Useful for the small stuff. And as I've gotten older, it all is becoming small stuff!
Comfortable chair - 'nuff said.
A decent hobby knife - Xacto is one brand, Excel is another. #11 blades fit both and they are sharp. Keep a supply of new blades on hand. Sharp knives work much better and are much safer. As you progress, you will find additional knife choices that may suit your needs. Oh, tape a toothpick along the handle to keep them from rolling off your workspace. Yes, they will and yes, it will stick in your foot. Yes, I know this to be true.
Sprue cutters - You can buy dedicated ones for 18 - 20 dollars or you can find some that are less expensive at the local hobby shop or craft store. Nail clippers will work as well. It simply makes it easier to remove the plastic and not damage the parts. Still need to be careful with clear parts, though. They can be brittle.
Glue - There are literally more choices that you can imagine. Some are pretty aggressive chemically and should be used with caution. You have:
- Good 'ol Testor's model glue in the tube. This type of glue will melt the plastic together, basically welding it. If sloppily applied, it will mar the surface, too. I know of what I write.
- CA glue. Also known as super glue. This comes in various strengths and viscosities. I like the medium thickness.
- Testor's Cement for Clear Plastic - This is a water based, clear-drying glue that is great for glueing in the clear stuff. Won't mar the plastic. You can also use regular white glue
- Liquid cement - Testor's, Tamiya and others make this. It is what is says. Liquid and comes in a bottle with a brush applicator. Tamiya Extra Thin is a highly recommended purchase.
- And many others - Searching the forums will give you more choices that you need right now.
Brushes]/b] - Any painter will tell you to get a good set of brushes and then take care of them. Same here. You may not need many, but buy good ones. Size 0 up to 1/4" or so will likely get you started.
Other supplies - sanding sticks, sandpaper, paper towels, Windex, isopropyl alcohol (91%), nail files, emery boards, nail polish remover, . . . The list goes on and on. There are so many things that you will finc useful as you go down the path to true nirvana. Many are found in the non-hobby areas and stores. Just ask!
Patience Probably the biggest need. I don't have it in the quantities I need. Sit back, relax and enjoy the hobby. Take your time, ask questions on the forum. We have terrific people here that love to help out.
