Question about Odd Tools

[JohnBlackhawk]

Ok so soon i'm going to get into painting miniatures and i was wondering what other unusual things i should consider adding to the tool kit. I mean i've already noted that "blue tack" stuff, and im looking into finding some thin lined masking tape, but i was wondering what else i should consider adding. Oh by the way for clarification, where do i find one of these "self healing cutting mats" an office supply store prehaps?

[HellboundSaint]

Any craft store will have one, but you will overpay for it most places; I suggest amazon. I would also suggest toothpicks - great for cutting in half and gluing small parts to for painting before going on the model (saves SO many headaches).

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

Essential tool:

- a variety of dental picks (obtainable at strange surplus stores and other places)
- flat-sided clippers
- misc sturdy clippers
- needle nose pliers (preferably with plastic covers)
- a set of fine files - get a couple spare demi-lune files, ass you'll use it the most
- paper clips for pinning (alternatively brass rod)
- pin vise and a drill index
- Green Stuff
- CA super glue
- CA accelerant (not to be overused)
- Taimya brush-on plastic glue
- a variety of small clamps
- razor saw
- excellent craft knife (can be produced with a cheap handle and good blades)
- a piece of tile (paint palette)
- cutting mat

Luxury items:
- hobby vise (or a set of those "extra hand" things)
- dremel and bit set
- "wet" palette

[kturock]

hobby vise (or a set of those "extra hand" things) are under $10 at Harbour Freight.

[JohnBlackhawk]

Well i agree those extra hand things are a good idea for keeping arms in place while they're drying. I actually do have one of those basic x-acto knife set (suprisingly still sold in the same configuration) so i figured im covered there. Oh anyone have any advice on self healing cutting mats i was looking them up on ebay and i found several brands, my main thought is go to something approximately regular paged sized for practicality sake but i don't know if one particular brand is better than another.

[JohnBlackhawk]

@S_o_r_r_o_w what sort of clamps do you suggest? if any?
Oh another thing anyone got a good tip on a pin drill package?

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

@S_o_r_r_o_w what sort of clamps do you suggest? if any?
Oh another thing anyone got a good tip on a pin drill package?

It depends on your needs. I have a few plastic dollar store ones and some metal ones I got at Princess Auto years ago. Keep your eyes open for them while out and about. Did I mention rubber bands?

For a pin vise, go to your local scale model shop and ask for this and these.

[kturock]

The GW set of pins and drills is a bit pricey, but the drill is actually pretty ergonomic. They only give you 6 bits. 3 sizes, 2 of each.
It's a little beefier than the one I bought at a hobby store years ago.
Also plain old wooden clothes pins. you can wrap them with foam and tape to pad the ends or file/sand down the 'teeth' to soften the 'bite'.

[JohnBlackhawk]

Yea i'm honestly on the fence on which pin vise to use. I'd honestly feel better about the GW pin vise if it wasn't precisely measured for certain GW things. I mean i'm perfectly happy to use some cheapo calipers to measure the width i need.

[kturock]

Yea i'm honestly on the fence on which pin vise to use. I'd honestly feel better about the GW pin vise if it wasn't precisely measured for certain GW things. I mean i'm perfectly happy to use some cheapo calipers to measure the width i need.

Umm...the pin vise I'm refering to is for drilling small holes. You can put almost any size drill bit into it. [under about 5mm]
I'm confused what you mean by, "the GW pin vise if it wasn't precisely measured for certain GW things. I mean i'm perfectly happy to use some cheapo calipers to measure the width i need."

[JohnBlackhawk]

i meant the drill bits that come with it.

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

Yea i'm honestly on the fence on which pin vise to use. I'd honestly feel better about the GW pin vise if it wasn't precisely measured for certain GW things. I mean i'm perfectly happy to use some cheapo calipers to measure the width i need.

That's marketing nonsense.

For less than half the cost, you can get a similar quality pin vise and 3 times the number of bits. Most good hobby stores will sell you individual bits for $2 or less, so you can get a couple of larger ones that way.

[optimusprime14]

I have the GW pin vice (the only GW tool I own) and I've fit many different sizes of bits, all non-GW) into it.

[JohnBlackhawk]

Yea i have to go with s_o_r_r_o_w's view point when it comes to pin vises.

[kturock]

I have a basic pin drill. It's good, but it is light. The GW, although pricey, is heavier and less fatiguing on the hand and fingers.
Both will accomplish the job. The GW 1 gives you 6 bits, which is almost nothing. I've bought a box of bits, in a case that looks like a little drill case. [slanted top, like 'real' drice bit cases.]

All pin drills I've seen have 2 sides, for holding larger or smaller bits. GW's 'big side', doesn't look as big as the model I have.

If you plan on doing extensive drilling, like all of your models gun barrels, or have alot of models that don't hold without pins; then I suggest get a good one. Check around and make sure you get one that fits your hand. Mine is a good fit for my hand, but I've noticed that after a while, several minutes, it sets off my tendonitis. My hand and thumb cramps and I have to stretch them and wear a brace for a bit.
I'd almost buy the GW 1. Maybe If I can find it cheap enough.