10 modeling tools every modeler should have

[martinfan5]

So as title says, what are they?, I know there are lot of tools that I should have but dont, I picked myself up a pin vise a few months back, and all I can say is how did go this long with out one.

So I will say pin vise is one of them, so what other tools should fill up are modeling tool box?, this could be helpful for the newer modelers.

[heatride]

This is a drafting ruling pen its great to dip in Tenax and other liquid

glue's then apply. It is also adjustable to get the capillary action you desire .

Edited because I goofed up !

Edited February 21, 2012 by heatride

[martinfan5]

I like that

[Ramfins59]

Besides the pin vise and assortment of drill sizes, I'd say you'd need an Exacto Knife with a supply of # 11 blades, a razor saw, at least one good pair of pointed tweezers, a set of Riffler files, some coarse, medium, fine & extra fine sanding sticks or pads, liquid styrene glue (Tenax or Ambroid) CA or superglue, white glue, an assortment of good paint brushes, a pair of sprue cutters, a small scissor...

I know that's more than 10, but we're talking the basics here... You could also use some alligator clips or some spring loaded clothes pins for clamps. That should get you going...

[Bartster]

I have to modify nearly everything I touch,lol. So for me, it's a jeweler's saw and a good selection of files.

[LoneWolf15]

Tamiya cotton applicators and Squadron surgical blades for bare metal foiling . Surgical steel scissors for decaling and foiling .

Novus system and Final Treatment detail wax for polishing out . Micro mesh 2400 to 12000 rubber backed sanding squares .

A controlled painting environment !

[VW Dave]

My #1 X-Acto handle and a good supply of #11 blades are paramount. A scale rule and my HF digital caliper have become invaluable tools to me in recent years as well.

[RodneyBad]

My basics

+ Several X-acto knifes, Toothpicks, Q-tips. PE Saw blade for X-acto Knife, Micro Drill bits

Edited February 21, 2012 by RodneyBad

[Longbox55]

No one has mentioned the absolute most important tool a modeler needs; A solid, level, and ample sized workbench!

[cargostar]

Since I scratch build alot of rescue/fire bodies, a machinists square, and a 6" ruler marked in 0.01" increments.

[Junkman]

1. Right thumb.

2. Right index finger.

3. Right middle finger.

4. Right ring finger.

5. Right little finger.

6. Left thumb.

7. Left index finger.

8. Left middle finger.

9. Left ring finger.

10. Left little finger.

[Harry P.]

1. Right thumb.

2. Right index finger.

3. Right middle finger.

4. Right ring finger.

5. Right little finger.

6. Left thumb.

7. Left index finger.

8. Left middle finger.

9. Left ring finger.

10. Left little finger.

And a fully functioning brain/central nervous system to operate them.

[martinfan5]

Maybe I should said the top 20, there are a lot useful tools being listed, I need to do some tool shopping, and to what junkman said, if I had soda in my mouth when I read that it would of been all over the screen, that was funny

[Steve Keck]

And a fully functioning brain/central nervous system to operate them.

We're talking ten. That's eleven, Harry, (or twelve) on your list. Whittle it down to ten.

[Ramfins59]

That's about the most important thing Harry... Besides a decent pair of eyes... a good sense of style... and sometimes a good imagination helps too...

[Danno]

A tool-handling assistant like Heidi. (Think "Home Improvement").

[martinfan5]

A tool-handling assistant like Heidi. (Think "Home Improvement").

Thats the best idea so far , I wonder what store I can pick me up a Heidi from

Edited February 21, 2012 by martinfan5

[charlie8575]

1. Glue

2. Clamps

3. A decent area to work (which I sorely miss right now, and have for a long time, which is why I didn't build very much for several years.)

4. A good assortment of paint brushes.

5. Razor saw blades that fit X-Acto #1 handles. X-Acto doesn't seem to make them anymore, but Excel does, and they're very good blades.

6. A good pair of nippers

7. Tweezers

8. Decent cement

9. #11 blades

10. The physical and mental capacity to perform the work we are called upon to perform in the modeling hobby, and the moral support of friends, family and loved ones to pursue it with the full gusto we all should.

Charlie Larkin

[martinfan5]

Charlie, thats a very good starting out list.

[Dr. Cranky]

I love my Opti Visor! Some tools get better with age!

[MicroNitro]

I love my Opti Visor! Some tools get better with age!

I second that

[Len Woodruff]

I like the drafting pen for the glue. I have one of those glass tubes that I can't get to work. I like the boring bits too!

[martinfan5]

I am kind of surprised no one mentioned putty yet

[Danno]

[Aaronw]

The #1 tool that improved my building was the simple sprue cutter. A real quality sprue cutter makes a huge difference.

For years I poo-pood them as a waste of money using nail clippers, small pocket knife scissors, wire snips, an exacto blade (great way to put parts into orbit btw) etc.

Other tools I get a lot of use from

Pin vise and drills

Punch set

6 scale ruler (1/24, 1/25, 1/32, 1/35, 1/48, 1/72)

$0.99 break away box cutter / carpet knife (I use this way more than my Exacto knives)

Emery boards

Cheap ceramics tool set (6 double ended "spatulas" that are great for working with putty)

Small wire cutters (never cut wire with a sprue cutter )

Metal square and cutting board

Tool for bare metal foil (ball on one end, curved spoon-like bit on the other)

Exacto knives (for those things that require a really sharp knife like decals and BMF)

Tweezer assortment

Mini C clamps (vice grips makes a nice set)

ALPS 5500

Edited February 22, 2012 by Aaronw