The
Toolbox Book You have to put your modeling tools somewhere.
This
book is full of ideas for tool storage, and some of the most
beautifully
built toolboxes you will ever see.
In this store, I will feature tools I have found useful for building large models. Do yourself a favor - shop around a bit on the prices you find, and if they are lower through these links please buy from my storefront. Comparison shopping on the Internet - and in real life -is always a good idea. Sometimes your local Home Depot will have better prices. Sometimes not.
I will try and illustrate some tools that you may not be aware of - for regular model tools, I would recommend MicroMark or Model Expo, as they are both great sources for most miniature tools.
Sony MVC-FD83 Mavica Digital Camera
I have used this
unit for a couple of years and really like it. It saves images on
regular
floppy disks, so you don't have to mess with adapters for your
computer.
It even takes short video segments (up to 15 seconds) , although
the
quality if somewhat lacking. A nice camera in the upper middle
price
range.
Tormek 2004-T Super Grind 2004 This
tool is on the
short list of things that I am currently lusting for, after seeing it
demonstrated on the New Yankee Workshop. I love working with
sharp
tools, and this really looks like a way to get them that way.
Very
expensive, and there are a lot of things a modeler should get first,
but
if you have everything else....or are looking to get me a birthday
present...<g>
Update! I got my Tormek!!! Now, I have to be honest, and tell you that I got it at a Woodworking Show locally - a tad cheaper than through Amazon, since they throw in one of the accessories, and ate the sales tax. I have used it for about 3 hours today so far, and it is everything I expected it to be. All of my chisels are razor, and I mean razor sharp - I went through about a dozen Post-it notes testing all the blades, marvelling at how well this unit sharpens. Then I worked on my pocket knife, and even some X-Acto blades. Way cool tool. If you have a woodworking show nearby that sells this tool, get it, or else consider ordering it here through Amazon. Either way, if you do a lot of sharpening, it is a great unit.
Fein MSXE-636-2 Multi-Master Electric...
This
is the smoothest hand sander I have ever used. The difference
between
this tool and cheaper ones is the toll they take on your hands after
just
a few minutes use. Great for sanding decks, and not too shabby
for
1:1 scale window sills too. Lots of attachments increase both the
the
machine's utility, and the amount of money you can spend.
Fein 9-55-13 Turbo II Dust-Free Vacuum
I admit it.
I am a tool freak - I love and collect all kinds of tools.
When
my fellow modelers come over, they usually admire the mill or lathe in
my
shop at first. But after a while, the one tool that really
wows
them is this vacuum. Why? It's really quiet, for one,
around
64 db. So it's not like working around the exhaust of a 767.
And
it is very powerful, to clean deep into corners, or to literally suck
screwdrivers off your workbench. Do not aim this monster at your
model!
Especially useful when combined with...
PSI Woodworking Dust collection remote switch
Your
vacuum plugs into the outlet, the switch clips on your belt, or goes
into
your pocket. You turn on the vacuum when needed, turn it off
after.
Way cool. Hang the vacuum hose on the ceiling, and pretend
you
are working at the car wash.
Chicago Brand 50001 6" Electronic Dial Caliper
To do
accurate work you have to make accurate measurements. I use an
electronic
dial caliper a lot, for measuring everything from parts to Evergreen
strip.
This one looks serviceable, and is about half what I paid for
mine.
Oh well...
Incra
IRSET06 6" Marking Rule Set If you haven't seen these cool
rulers,
you probably have not been to a woodworking show for a couple of years,
since
they are all the rage there! These rulers have very precisely
made
slots for the tips of pencils milled into them. How, I am not
sure,
but they are sure small. What that gives you is very precise
measuring,
and more important, repeatability - no more squinting at the ruler, or
trying
to see if you were on the far side of the line. I use 'em and
like
'em. This is a set of three. Also available in
Incra
12", and
Incra
18" sets. The longer set requires a bit of care in
storage
as the thin rulers can be easily bent.
Quick-Grip 53006 4-1/4" Micro Bar Clamp
I like these
little clamps for holding deck edge strips onto the sides of hulls, and
a
host of other clamping projects. The jaws are padded with soft
plastic,
a real plus when working on a surface you don't want to mar, but a bit
of
a disadvantage when working around a flame, such as soldering.
Anyone
want to buy a slightly melted set?
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Version 1.1 06/17
