Good day all! I got back into the hobby at age 65 and am about to finish my first model since 1984. A lot has changed, including me. Apparently I cannot keep my hands from shaking while doing fine work, even applying decals! Any tips on methods to brace my hands and reduce the the tremors while modeling? Cheers!
Later,
Lee
Not first thing in the morning after coffee. Get comfortable ie. a padded chair the right height for you. Find a way to brace your wrist or forearm on something, ie arm of the chair or the edge of your work table. The fewer large muscle groups you have to use, the less the tremor. Start the session with something bigger ie the uniform of a figure and not the face. The boots or the helmet and then the insignia or the laces. Finally, relax, have a beer, a glass of wine and then try holding a fine tipped brush.
Just my $.02
I second this advice, I’m also 65 and don’t have the same visual or physical coordination as the past. Bracing your wrist and side of your painting hand is extremely helpful. I can still get fine work done doing this, it just takes more patience.
A good Scotch, or maybe a small glass of wine, settle the nerves.
On a lighter note, I’m also in my 60’s. Eyes are shot, I wear glasses for every different scenario, and it really affected my fine detailing. I have magnifiers but they weren’t working good for me. One day it hit me, this is years later, that I need to wear them over my prescription glasses!
Wow, what an improvement! lol 
Thanks all! I usually model in the afternoon, so caffeine might not be the issue. I also have magnifiers the fit over my glasses and they work a treat!
Later,
Lee
The bracing of the hands is key though; it really does reduce the trembling. I have arthritis in my airbrush hand and sometimes have to employ a two-handed grip to keep it steady.
Wow, Shakers unite!
I’d second James’ cure (wine) but it doesn’t always work. Being fairly ambidextrous, if my (favoured) left hand is playing up the right sometimes comes to the rescue. I’ve recently tried to cultivate my right hand on the possibility a stroke might disable my left side. My eldest brother had a stroke so it’s not beyond the bounds of probability. I’d recommend all you righties start exercising your left side, just in case.
Typical of you Tim, boasting about how you can use either hand or both at once….. We’re all just jealous….
If you listen to the podcasts in the modeling realm try Plastic Model Mojo one of the hosts Dave Knights talk in length about having an essential tremor so maybe an email out to him might be able to shed some light on what to do.
You might try cupping your “paint” hand from underneath with your opposite hand, much like Professional range shooters do. It also helps to have two small pads under your elbows if you’re working on the table.I have also learned steadying techniques from watching videos of jewelers. Of course, good lighting good seat position, including eye height to your model, no caffeine, and good magnification for doing detail are all important points. I’ve purchased several devices over the years for steadying my hands, they’ve all been a been a waste of money for me and ended up taking space in the cabinet. Good luck and welcome back to the Hobby.
All great info folks, thanks for taking time to respond!
Later,
Lee
