what basic tools?

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Ok Ive never scratch built anything before. Its been a long time since I handled any hand tools (chisels etc).

What basic tools are essential? what are very useful? And what are nice to have but not essential?

What Im after isa list of the things – tool wise – I will eventually need to get when I feel comfortable enough to have a go at scratch building. Im aware that working in different materials will require different tools. At this point in time I dont have any idea as to whether I shall choose to work in wood or plastic or a combination of them. I dont have the room available at the moment for a lathe or anything like that (though Im hoping that will change at the end of the year) – and even if I did have the room I wouldnt know how to use them. So its just the basics Im after at the moment.

And are there any recommended books for reading on how to scratch build?

Oh and for a total newbie – what sort of boat would people recomend for a first attempt? I have no preference for military or civilian.

 

Lol – I know I may start a few cogs working again but not to many at once please

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

[60wattParticipant @60watt]

I’ve built two subs and two boats from scratch and they are all rubbish.

You did ask!

[PierreParticipant @pierre]

Hi Anthony

What sort of models are you interested in? – static models, R/C, sailing, fast electric ?

The basic tools are always the same though later as you mention you will want to diversify.

Thinking about the toolsI use the most, I’ve whittled it down to a fairly basic list .I’ve made models with ONLY these, though other listers will probably augment the list.

My most used tool: a good cutting knife – I use one that holds Stanley blades and change them often!  Second a STEEL ruler and a cutting mat. This takes care of  straight cuts – I’ve cut up to 4mm plywood with this method though that is rather a chore!  My Stanley knife is my number one implement1

Curved cuts – fretsaw with a fretsaw stand. I used this for years, though now I’ve gotten lazy and bought an electric scroll saw.

 A variety of clamps, clothespegs, plastic clamps, metal etc etc

I work mostly in wood, so use ordinary white wood glue. Plastic obviously would require different glues.

A variety of sandpaper and sandpaper blocks – I like those hard rubber blocks that one can secure the paper to.

A small rigid saw with a mitre block (optional) 

A small hand drill and various small drill bits.

Later on you will need paint, varnishes etc etc.

Those to me are the implements I would have with me on a desert isle! I’m sure other listers will add to this!

Hope this helps

Pierre

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Hi Pierre,

thanks for the response. Sorry for the delay in responding but until now I havent been able to reaccess this thread.

Im interested in a variety of modeling both static and r/c. As far as r/c is concerned Im not to worried about the high speed stuff – more inclined towards the more sedate that wont go tearing around the pool – ie tugs, warships, merchant vessels etc.

As I have never scratchbuilt before I’d be interested in hearing what folk think is the easiest medium to work in for a beginner – wood or plastic? And yes Im sure I will get a response towards both mediums so Im looking for a starting place rather than a must have.

 

Antony

[Dr John BoothParticipant @drjohnbooth43899]

Hello Antony

 

The choice of a basic set of tools would depend upon your choice of materials and the scale of the model to be constructed.

To explain: if you wish to build a static version of Titanic at 12in long then you might opt for paper / card and the tool kit would be a simple pair of scissors but if you wish to build a large model, such as those that Paul builds, then you are forced into using timber and would need quite a large range of tools.

 

As a suggested first scratch build you could try a TID tug at about 3ft long built from timber (mainly plywood) the TID is fairly easy to build and is a very nice model to sail. Lots of members will have built this model so there will be a huge pool of advice available if you hit a problem.

 

A quick tour through the photo albums should reveal a few completed examples.

 

John

 

I have just had a quick look at the photos and came across a huge example of a TID that is being constructed by the aforementioned Paul, look at page 5 of the album section.

 

Whilst I don’t propose that you build to this scale the photos do show the simple hull lines and basic construction techniques that make this model such fun to build.

nb: Paul is building a freeflooding version and as such has added an extra internal deck which is not required on a standard build. 

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