Help with a Detail Master Distributor

[rhs856]

So I found some DM distributors and I thought it would be cool to try one out. Long story short, it isn't cool. I have sealed everything that I didn't lose to the miniature black hole on my desk in a bag and am attempting to quell my frustration by coming here to ask for guidance. What specific tools and glues do you use for items bordering on microscopic?

PS. Why are these things attracted to magnets?

PPS. Why is every other piece of metal on my desk magnetized? !?

Edited April 17, 2011 by rhs856

[Foxer]

Flying tiny parts are my downfall too. I don't understand the magnetization but it could work to your advantage. Maybe you meant static?

I use tape a lot to hold small parts to work on them. I only use self closing tweezers but very carefully as if they do take off the tweezers will shoot them like a rocket across the room.

[rhs856]

Flying tiny parts are my downfall too. I don't understand the magnetization but it could work to your advantage. Maybe you meant static?

I use tape a lot to hold small parts to work on them. I only use self closing tweezers but very carefully as if they do take off the tweezers will shoot them like a rocket across the room.

It could be static. I think I need smaller tweezers. These photo etched parts make a toothpick seem like a tree trunk!

[pharr7226]

Here are some options for visors. I prefer these to the stationary types of magnification.

[bigmikevee]

Hey Randall,

Don't get too frustrated and give up on the small parts, they are what really make a model "pop" in my opinion. I don't know how old you are, but since I have turned 21 many, many....times I have found the most important items in my arsenal are some type of hands-free magnification and good lighting. I tried the stationary magnifiers, but seemed to be much more comfortable with the headpiece magnifier. Once you get used to both, it will make a huge difference in your models and your abilities. Good luck!!

Mike

Edited April 18, 2011 by bigmikevee

[rhs856]

Hey Randall,

Don't get too frustrated and give up on the small parts, they are what really make a model "pop" in my opinion. I don't know how old you are, but since I have turned 21 many, many....times I have found the most important items in my arsenal are some type of hands-free magnification and good lighting. I tried the stationary magnifiers, but seemed to be much more comfortable with the headpiece magnifier. Once you get used to both, it will make a huge difference in your models and your abilities. Good luck!!

Mike

Thanks for the words, Mike. I am only 27, but good gracious, I feel like these parts add 50 years! Fortunately, the distributors come with doubles and triples of the tiny stuff (I wondered why when I picked them up... Now I know.) and I bought 3. I think I need some smaller tweezers, and some CA with a needle tip that doesn't dry so fast.

For magnification, I have a couple of helping hands units and a set of jeweler's lupes that I picked up at Harbor Freight. I can see the pieces, I am just having a hard time manipulating them and getting the right amount of glue where I want it.

[Mooneyzs]

Most Photo-Etched parts are made from stainless steel I belive (someone correct me if I am wrong) and most Stainless is non-magnetic, I do belive that there are some grades of stainless that are magnetic. Anyway as a recomendation for glues to use on photoetch parts I was recentenly advised by Charlie from Pro Tech says Future floor wax is a great glue for photo-etch parts. I am going to try this one myself. But I have used testors model master clear as glue and has worked great.

[rhs856]

Most Photo-Etched parts are made from stainless steel I belive (someone correct me if I am wrong) and most Stainless is non-magnetic, I do belive that there are some grades of stainless that are magnetic. Anyway as a recomendation for glues to use on photoetch parts I was recentenly advised by Charlie from Pro Tech says Future floor wax is a great glue for photo-etch parts. I am going to try this one myself. But I have used testors model master clear as glue and has worked great.

Well isn't it handy that I just picked some up! I can't wait to give it a try. Thank you!