Building my first garage diorama

[jrherald420]

After about 3 years of waiting my wife pushed me into building my first diorama. I will be building it 1/24 scale mainly to photograph my models and to also enter in another category at model shows.

Here's the beginning stages. I now have a Chopper III on the way after thinking i could cut the studs square with an x-acto knife...lol stupid me. I first cut 3 sections of 3" Basswood then ripped them down to a 1/8" thickness. That was super fun!

I have all the studs glued to the bottom plate right now and will finish the top plate before bed. Hoping tomorrow to have the window opening framed in and the plywood on the outside of the first wall. Looking back i should have set the wall studs on a 24" center rather than a 16" like the plans call for.

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

[Tom Geiger]

Cool! Looks great so far. I've been itching to do one myself.

The Chopper III is a good investment. I've had a Chopper II for many years, bought for the same reason. You'll really like it.

[MsDano85gt]

awsome i will be watching how this is done!

[jrherald420]

I got a killer deal, its the extended one with 3 chopping handles, 6 cutting angle blocks and extra blades for 45.00 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chopper-III-Mitre-Cutter-stripwood-dollhouse-miniature-woodworking-/151185019659?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=%252BT%252FqRAW5QQsi%252B%252BBPYLUn7scsRpg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

awsome i will be watching how this is done!

Thanks! Im excited to do this.

[jrherald420]

I was a carpenter for 8 years, ive built around 200 houses, 600+ apartments, 50+ garages and many more odd things. This is bringing the love of building back to me!

[Tom Geiger]

I got a killer deal, its the extended one with 3 chopping handles, 6 cutting angle blocks and extra blades for 45.00 shipped.

Wow! I didn't realize the Chopper III actually has three cutting arms. My Chopper II just has one. And I'm dangerous enough with one.

[jrherald420]

This is the only one that ive seen like this. Every other one only has 1 arm.

[charlie8575]

Suggestion:

Place the plans on a piece of cork, and place a piece of wax paper over them, then pin the corners using some push-pins.

This will allow you to line up everything exactly with the plans. Simply assemble the frame on top of the wax paper. The glue won't stick to it, and you can move the pieces around as you need to.

This is how Dad and I build stick-and-tissue airplanes, and it would translate well to building framing.

Charlie Larkin

[jrherald420]

That is a great idea, I was sitting here thinking how i could keep all the studs lined up while the glue was setting up. Thanks!

[crazyrichard]

hmm looking very promising

[crazyjim]

I'll be watching this one. I bought a Chopper II several months ago and still wonder how I ever did without it.

[jrherald420]

hmm looking very promising

Thanks, i hope it turns out fairly good.

I'll be watching this one. I bought a Chopper II several months ago and still wonder how I ever did without it.

Mine cant get here soon enough, got to wait till Saturday to get the stupid thing! I will tear into it then!

[Apriliadan]

What is a chopper? Just a suggestion here, when I build my walls I build the box first, or just the outside 4 pieces, then when that dries, I can place all the studs in.

[jrherald420]

What is a chopper? Just a suggestion here, when I build my walls I build the box first, or just the outside 4 pieces, then when that dries, I can place all the studs in.

Click on the Ebay link i posted above, it will take you to the one i just bought. They are the greatest thing made next to sliced bread!!!

This is my first diorama so i am mainly relying on how i would build a real house since i have many years doing that. I will be trying the way you suggested on the next wall because this way sucked!

[Tom Geiger]

Here's mine, apparently an original Chopper! Great tool. I paid like $50 for this and have never regretted it a minute. It gives a perfect square cut every time. I've cut wood, plastic strips and even small parts. Just keep your fingers away. You'll see blood before you feel it. Ask me how I know.

I've taped pieces of basswood or plastic strips together to get perfectly matching pieces. I've also taped down a stop for the same reason. A valuable tool.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Tom Geiger

[jrherald420]

What kind of blades does it take? Are they special made for the Chopper or just run of the mill razor blades?

[Apriliadan]

Let me help you cheat a little more, try to find any piece of steel you can that fits on your desk there, needs to just be bigger than your

Wall, next trip to lowes hit the hardware section and pick up some earth magnets, this will help you clamp the walls while they dry, it will also clamp your square.

I just never heard the name of the chopper before.

[jrherald420]

That is a good idea! I will have to look into that my next trip there. Thanks!

[crazyrichard]

oh whow i need that !! would save a ton of sawing !! , i still use a small saw , special for modelbuilding , but its got no handle ...

[jrherald420]

I bought one of the jewelers saws and a miter box to cut with but you cant get an accurate cut using the miter box when the openings are almost 1/4 inch wide. Thant thing was a waste of of 5.00, its made by Revell. I am holding off work on this garage till the Chopper III shows up. I just don't want to do a bad job building this and waste wood in the process.

[jerseyjunker1]

like everyone else i will be watching the progress of this great build. and by you being an actual carpenter has got to be a huge plus. its like an actual race car driver building a race car.

[jrherald420]

Thanks. Work should start back up today when my new tools get here.

[jrherald420]

Got some work done this morning. Sorry for the crappy pictures.

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

Thanks to this fine piece of equipment!

Untitled by jrherald420, on Flickr

[DSHWoodworks]

Looking good!! I'm going to build this garage also. I have the plans printed, just have not had the time to start it.

[jrherald420]

Its not bad, it is really small. I have made it longer and i am going to make it a lot wider. Thinking about making it a 2 door front with a work space on each wall.