Modeling Tools

There are three five  types of tools you need to have handy when you model; Saws, Clippers, Blades, Files, and Drills. There are many other things like paper clips for pins, magnets, tweezers, that are used in modeling work but you need to have these to work effectively.

When you start working on the larger kits you will need to have a 'Jewlers Saw'. These are saws with a very very fine blade that has a thin cut that leaves a clean finish. These are especially good for the larger resin kits.

Regardless if your working with Metal, Resin, or Plastic you will need a good set of clippers. Preferably ones with a nice clean edge that are as thin as possible. If they are thicker you have to take more care when you cut parts out of spruces so that you don't scrape or dent the parts.

Blades are self explanatory. You want to have a decent set of blades. By this I mean you want to spend some money and get a set of metal handled blades so they will not bend or break when you put some pressure into them. Cheap blades WILL HURT YOU sooner or later.

You want to have a heavy blade for the large cuts, a medium sized blade for the bulk of your work, and a tiny blade for the detail work and for tracing outlines.

 Files are important to work into a clean finish. You want to pick up a set of files that give you a variety of shapes and finishes. You want to have small fine files that will allow you to get into the the recesses of the models.

You also want to get Emery Boards (the Games Workshop version shown in this photo) with a very fine finish on them to allow you to work your models till your changes feel like the mold.

Lastly you want to get a good set of drills that will allow you to fit a range of sizes. These drills are most often used for pinning, creating holes for magnets, or drilling out gun barrels (get into the habit of doing this!).