beginners tools

[Paul Payne]

I don’t know if a thread like this has ever been started, so I’m starting one! You have a model kit- now, how do you build it? First thing, you have to start removing all the interesting bits off the trees (or runners, or sprues). So- what tool might you use? The best tool is a spruce cutter, but you can also use a modelers knife or a single edge razor blade. Now, to clean up the part, you can use a sanding stick (available at stores in the nail section), or sand paper, or a fine tooth file. Next, you need to start sticking some of these bits together. Assuming a styrene plastic kit, liquid styrene cement is currently the popular choice, but there is still styrene tube glue, and super glues in abundance, which is also good for sticking fingers together as well as your parts! Now, you may want to paint some of these parts before continuing with your assembly. Bottle paints are available in many colors-don’t feel you have to have all the colors- just get what you need- or like! Get a small brush with fine natural bristles- I have had brushes for over 35 years and they are still in good shape- and you can clean them with water, brush cleaner, or even acetone. If you want spray paint, try a good hobby paint, and try it on a piece of scrap first. At some point you will have to install the clear glass- white glue or clear gloss work well. I will sign off for now, more later!

[Miatatom]

I suggest nitrile gloves. Keeps your greasy fingers off the model and keeps the glue and paint off your hands.

[Oldcarfan27]

Don't forget the most important tool in your arsenal, 

The ever-present TV going on in the background! 😊

[Snake45]

I prefer a razor saw for taking parts off the sprues. 

Selection of files in various shapes and sizes from micro up through a single-cut fine cut flat bastard 10" mill file (I am not kidding.) 

Selection of sandpapers: #280, #320, #400, #600, #800, #1000, #1500, #2000 3M WetOrDry. Ask for it by name.

Pliers or channel-locks for getting old paint bottles open. 

Wooden toothpicks. 

Masking tape.

I couldn't build model cars anymore without Silver Sharpies. When they stop making them, I'm going back to airplanes. 

Wright's Silver Cream silver polish for polishing paint and plastic. 

Edited April 9, 2021 by Snake45

[Deuces ll]

I bought a pair of "cheesey" sprue cutters for about 5 bucks and modified them with a bench grinder so they fit in tight spots...

[youpey]

this is the extent of my building tools.  Of course i have paint and primer as well.  The cutters i got are very good, however, you can obviously get much cheaper ones.  I had tried tamiya cutters and i liked these much better. they get a cleaner cut.  i also use stuff to prep the body (compound and and abrasive pad, but that is really not required, just faster for me and i get better results)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JYPFRQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/X-Acto-XZ3601-X-ACTO-Knife-Safety/dp/B005KRSWM6/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=%2311+razor+blade&qid=1618010028&sr=8-14

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MEH78S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4DC872/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87038-Extra-Thin-Cement/dp/B000BMYWYC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tamiya+glue&qid=1618010120&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1

 

also i have an assortment of brushes and brush paints to go with my spray paints. as others have said, toothpicks are a great tool too

Edited April 9, 2021 by youpey

[NOBLNG]

The things I use the most are the hobby knife, tweezers, all sorts of clamps, files and lots of home made sanding sticks.

[Steamboat]

#11 exacto knife and tweezers. 

And for old guys like me, a hobby loupe!

[Snake45]

3 hours ago, Steamboat said:

And for old guys like me, a hobby loupe!

Oh my yes! I completely forgot that because when I was a "beginner," I didn't need one. Now I do! Optivisor rules! 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Depending on how "adult" you are psychologically, and how well you handle the inevitable frustration when things go awry, a broom and dustpan to sweep up the results of slamming models against the wall can be helpful...

[Snake45]

2 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Depending on how "adult" you are psychologically, and how well you handle the inevitable frustration when things go awry, a broom and dustpan to sweep up the results of slamming models against the wall can be helpful...

I've never done that, not once. I DO, however, have boxes and boxes of half-built models that wrestled me to the ground and made me their witch. Temporarily, of course....

[Rick L]

12 hours ago, Steamboat said:

#11 exacto knife and tweezers. 

And for old guys like me, a hobby loupe!

👍

Cuticle cutters can be had for short money.