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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?

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).

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

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

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.

@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?

JohnBlackhawk wrote:@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.

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'.

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.

JohnBlackhawk wrote: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."

i meant the drill bits that come with it.

JohnBlackhawk wrote: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.

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.

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

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.