Must Have Tools
Posted by Scale Model Aircraft on
May 27, 2009
Serious modellers use serious tools. Here are my favourites that I couldn’t live without.
1. Dremel or rotary tool
Used mainly for drilling, cutting and buffing, a Dremel is one of the most handy tools I have ever owned. And not only for use on scale models, but all around the house and on the car too. As usual, brand names aren’t cheap, but depending on how much you use it you can probably get away with a cheap one.
2. Helping Hands and/or tweezers
Helping hands have two alligator clips that allow you to hold tricky parts in place while you paint or glue. Usually also have a removable magnifying glass for that extra detail or for those who need it. Tweezers are also great for those tiny parts. Anything to get your fingers out of the way and free of paint.
3. Fine Grain Sandpaper
Used for cleaning up small burrs (especially if you don’t have a dremel), surface defects and shaping wooden and fiberglass models. Can also be used to add texture in the finishing process.
4. Hobby File(s)
These are great for removing the larger burrs in plastic kits and can also be used for shaping components. A variety of grades is optional, but only necessary for expert detail.
I could go on and list things like hobby knives and glue, but if you didn’t already have those, you probably wouldn’t be here.
