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Micro Mark Tools?


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I've bought several items from Micro Mark through the years, needle files, micro drill bits, and these #11 style saw blades http://www.micromark.com/-11-size-saw-blades-015-inch-x-24-tpi-pkg-of-2,6570.html. the have 3 different ones that vary thickness and tooth count, they used to sell them as a set that included 2 of each of the 3 styles but they seem to have discontinued that.

The only problem I have with Micro Mark is that their prices are high, a few years ago I discovered another place http://www.modelexpo-online.com/. Model Expo has many of the same items for a better price though each place has exclusive items.

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Check out the tool vendors at automotive flea markets: some of them will have some items that will be useful for modelers, though probably not the smaller files. IPMS shows usually have one or two decent tool vendors, as will model railroad shows. Going to the shows (as opposed to ordering online) gives you the opportunity to handle the stuff before buying, which is often important with tools (some "feel right", others don't, regardless of quality or price). The automotive flea markets will have other supplies like sandpaper and two-part catalyzed putty; the IPMS and train shows will often have sheet plastic, Bare-Metal Foil, and paint brands that the local hobby shop(s) may not stock. All of them will probably have vendors selling kits too. That said, I do buy from Micro-Mark often enough to keep the catalogs coming. I like their mold material (but not the resin), and some of the tools also...

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they have useful stuff, and also a bunch of stuff that doesn't need to be.

a 15.25 seam scraper?

I also cringe when I see things like "the duplicate it" - an obvious copy of the NE Shortline tool of the same name. maybe the legalese ran out, but good grief, at least change the name and make people think you did something innovative.

Edited by southpier
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they have useful stuff, and also a bunch of stuff that doesn't need to be.

a 15.25 seam scraper?

I also cringe when I see things like "the duplicate it" - an obvious copy of the NE Shortline tool of the same name. maybe the legalese ran out, but good grief, at least change the name and make people think you did something innovative.

I've purchased a Dupli-Cutter from Micro-Mark...it is the NWSL item. This was a few years ago, but I'd bet that Micro-Mark still sells "name brand" items as opposed to knockoffs...

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I have bought many things from them over the last 20 or so years, their service has always been top notch.

But as others have mentioned, while some of the pricing can be up there, a lot of things are great values too.

Check around and compare, sometimes the lower priced items are a better value, but often the cheaper items are not a better value in the long run.

Get on their mailing list for printed catalogs and email sale items. They have a lot to offer.

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I have a lot of stuff from them and a lot of stuff I saw in their catalog and then got cheaper elsewhere. what I have found is if they are selling a name brand (X Acto, Dremel, etc) then you can always get it at least 2/3 their price including shipping on ebay and often at half off and that includes shipping. if it is their more specialty stuff I usually just buy it from them.

my latest purchases have been an opti-visor (bought on ebay) and their micro punch set. I use the punch a lot, really great for cutting out gauge decals for instance, anything in a circle, and from really really small diameter up to about a quarter in diameter. ive also gotten some photo etch saw blades and some dremel bits and a micro drill set. all seemed top quality

jb

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Nice to see topic.

I am almost ready to order a few tools & parts from them, although I am scared about the shipping costs to Greece.

I want these two tools

1) http://www.micromark.com/chop-it,9547.html

2) http://www.micromark.com/duplicate-it,9546.html

Thinking about this

http://www.micromark.com/triple-grip-third-hand,6736.html

And of course some sheets of plastsic.

If anyone of you have ever use the chop-it and the duplicate-it tools please tell us your opinion about these tools and how usefull you thing they are.

As soon as I get them and use them I will update you.

Kostas.

Edited by Kostas Parchas
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I have used both (NW Shortline versions) and would say they have a place.

the chopper uses a razor blade, and leaves the cut end at a bevel - matching the honed edge of the razor - so that needs to be taken into account. the duplicator is okay depending on the required degree of accuracy.

I used neither to their full capability. I use a single edged razor blade, dividers & metal scale rule to cut almost everything. but then I am slow to build and have no production quota.

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Almost everything they sell I've been able to find the same item rebranded elsewhere for less money.

Especially their mini power tools and acessories.

Example 1: http://www.micromark.com/allwin-benchtop-mini-disk-and-belt-sander,9620.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-belt-and-5-disc-combination-sander-69033.html

Example 2: http://www.micromark.com/extra-blade-for-84656-mini-miter-and-cut-off-saw,9641.html On this one it's so blatant they even use a finger to cover the part number on the blade in their pic.

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-2-inch-cut-off-wheels-42805.html

Edited by hpiguy
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I do buy form Micro Mark from time to time. I have lots of tools form them and I am very happy with them. They are not cheap but you get what you pay for. They have lots of items that are actually form the jewelry industry. There are good tools and there are cheap tools but there are no good cheap tools. I have purchased items form Harbor freight that looked the same but the quality was not the same. I will say I have bought items form Harbor Freight and been pleasantly surprised but that is rare.

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