at least he doesn’t get up on your bench to check things out.
3 Likes
Missed this one somehow but I’m in . . .
Sprue nippers are Xuron and I like them well enough but wish they were flatter and had a finer point to get into those parts trees that have a narrow gateway (AFV Club is notorious for that), I have a large nail clipper with rounded blades rather than a concave curvature, that gets right next to the part, they’re handy for clipping all sorts of cutting needs.
Paints: After years of useing Testors/Model Master enamels I finally switched over to AK lacquers but I found they’re best for airbrushing but not so great with hand brushing, they don’t mix very well for color changing either which means I keep MM paints on hand for dry brushing and washes.
Airbrush is an Iwata Eclipse which is a dandy little AB, easy to use, ten times easier to clean than the Paasche, my only reservation with it would be I want a finer tip for freehand camo patterns and detail work.
CA glue is LOCTITE and Sprue Bros house brand glue and debonder, regardless of brand they’re all a PIA to use. I also use a PVA glue/paste from Mig for different applications. Testors model cement and Tamiya Xtra-thin for basic styrene use.
I haven’t bothered with pigments other than some artists chalks I found on sale some years ago that remarkably don’t wash away when clear coated.
Clearcoat is Testors Dullcoat and Gloss lacquers, sometimes they work sometimes not, I can’t get consistent results (operator error I’m sure).
Future polish with Solvaset setting solutions, diluted vinegar works as well for decals.
XACTO knives and blades, I don’t know the blade numbers so the pointy one, the curved one and the chisel blade.
For detail work I don’t even use a handle opting to hold the blade in my fingers for carving which I do a lot. I also use a few different size Dremel de-burring bits for carving, scrapeing and starting holes for micro twist drllls.
I don’t use the razor saw much but the micro saw (I call it a finger saw) I’ve found I can’t model without it, perhaps my favorite tool.
Jewlers files are essential but I have a set of Manicure files that are handy for special hard to reach applications and something that some may find odd is a set of torch tip cleaning reamers that are perfect for the right situation.
I finally added a 1mm and 2mm chisel to the work bench and I could kick myself for not getting these years ago, they are awesome.
Automotive sandpaper is cheap, comes in 8X8 sheets and I make my own sanding sticks from popsicle sticks, Plastruct card stock or even parts tree sections.
Alligator clips crimped onto wooden craft sticks are handy holders for painting. Automotive carbuerator vacuum port caps slip right over the jaws of the clips to protect the part.
Eyeglass repair screwdriver is useful as well as a tack hammer and a pair of diagonal wire cutters, needlenose pliers and ring bending pliers too.
Jewelry chain from the craft section is way cheaper than the chain from model suppliers.
Aluminum tape used in HVAC duct work is good for an instant disposable palette for mixing putty or paint on your desk top.
A sewing needle in the pin vise makes a good center punch for twist drills.
That’s my workbench, a flat metal plate and some machinists’ magnets for squareing up certain assemblies is on my want list.
Cajun 
5 Likes
that’s funny. going to use that caption with the photo.
1 Like
I began building models at age 5. In the 2000s I decided to make a go at serious modeling, joined an IPMS chapter, and bought an airbrush. After earning one local Best 1/35 Armor and one regional Best Sci-Fi award, I quit in 2010 for health reasons. After a 12 year break, I finished one model in 2022 and 8 in 2023. My skill level is mediocre.
- Spure Cutters: I use a pair of cheap, old wire cutters.
- Knives: Many years ago, I purchased approximately 250 #11 blades off eBay for $15 US. They last about 20 times longer than X-acto blades such that many still remain unused. My tool box also includes some larger knives and a selection of specialty blades.
- Glue: I use Testor’s Liquid Cement for almost everything. I also have some Plastruct cement but do not like the stuff and banished it to the garage.
- CA: Over the years, I have used and bricked a couple dozen different super glues. My current CA and debonder came from Scale Hobbyist. They are okay.
- Paint: In the 2000s, I used Model Master Enamels and some Humbrol Enamels. Upon returning to model building for really real in 2023, I completely switched to Vallejo Acrylics for health reasons.
- Clear Coat: In 2023, I completely switched to Vallejo Acrylic clear coats and generally like the results.
- Airbrushes: I use an Iwata Eclipse side loader. It has issues, especially since sustaining damage in late 2023. My air compressor came from California Air Tools. Unlike most of my tools, it is excellent.
- Decals: I use Vallejo decal products. They require some patience but work okay. In the past, I used Micro Sol, Micro Set, and Micro Crystal Clear but the bottle caps almost immediately break and leak. I no longer use Mirco brand products for health reasons.
- Washes: Most of my washes are done using Mig or Winsor & Newton oil paints thinned with Mona Lisa mineral spirits. The rest are done with Vallejo acrylic paints.
- Pigments: My supplies include Mig, Vallejo, and hand ground pigments. I rarely use them but recently bought some Vallejo pigment fixer.
- Specialty Tools: Zona rulers; Zona miter box and coping saw; Scriber; Pin Vise with poor quality bits, Swiss Army Knife, Tube Cutter; Hole Punches; many other weird things.
- Putty: Testor’s Contour Putty for small stuff. It is okay. Milliput for big stuff and real sculpting. It is fantastic.
- Sand Paper: I purchased a couple packs of Wet/Dry sand paper in various grits. My favorite sand paper is cut from 220 grit rounds for circular sanders. The stuff is amazing.
I am still relearning the craft. Better tools, especially a new air brush, would help matters.
5 Likes
i heard good reviews of the neoeco airbrush, and very afordable. i plan on buying one.
Joe
1 Like
The regular round toothpick as a glue applicator, glue stopper, paint applicator (dots), decal pusher, part holder, paint stirrer etc
3 Likes
A multi tasker at its finest !!
1 Like