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#1 (permalink) |
Shas'O
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Well since I find myself amazed at the amount of tools we have available, but even further amazed at what people use to do certain things that would work better with the right tool. I've decided to make a small tool tutorial in an effort to help anyone who would want/need it.
"Choosing the right tool for the job." Scissors ![]() Your standard garden variety scissors. Nearly everyone has a pair at home. These can be handy for people wanting to make some cuts where smaller tools can hurt to hold. Safety Precautions Always wear safety goggles when cutting anything! Obviously scissors are sharp too, so it's best to treat them the same as two knives and always cut away from yourself and don't play with the edge or place extremities there. The best tasks Scissors can be used for are
Some things/materials scissors aren't that great to use on
Modelling Knife ![]() Alright, to beginners and veterans alike you should know you wield a mighty power in these versatile tools of hobby enthusiasts. Honestly though this tool guide can't even go halfway into the number of varieties and uses for this tool. I suggest that beginners get familiar with this one, because it's a long journey with this one. Safety Precautions Basic safety techniques include cutting away from yourself, keeping the blade sharp (dull edges require more pressure which means less control if the knife slips), and wearing safety goggles. What to cut
Modelling Saw ![]() I use a Jeweler's saw, which I'm pretty sure matches the performance of this tool (they look pretty much the same as far as edges go). I love this tool and I wish more people used it on their models, I can guarantee there would be less sliced fingers, arms, legs, whatever. It has great control and will generally leave an easily sanded cut if needed. Safety Precautions Treat the saw the exact same way as you would the Hobby Knife when it comes to safety though. Just remember, you can always saw more if needed (vs. sawing too much). Cutting do's...
...and cutting don'ts.
Clippers ![]() The other white meat hobby tool. Not as varied as the knife but certainly a good tool of it's own. I suggest getting one capable of cutting a lot of metal, these hardened blades will come in handy for tough metal minis. Safety Precautions Basic safety tips include no throwing, don't place extremities into the small blades, etc. It's hard to hurt yourself, but it can be done, so wear goggles and be aware of where the cutting portions are at all times. Clipping the smart way
Clipping the not-so-awesome way
Hot Wire Cutter ![]() Ahh, the venerable forces contained within this tool are older than any past person alive... Really though they're only good for one thing, but they do it so well that I heartily suggest getting this tool if your intending on using polystyrene in many projects. Safety Precautions Since the cutter is using a decent amount of heat to help cut through the Polysterene, you should avoid contact with both your skin and anyone else's. Different brands will probably get different heat results, so above all treat this like a large blade that is extremely sharp (easiest way to think about it is a lightsaber on the low setting : ![]() Cutting... Well, it's really only for Polystyrene in my opinion. In this role it's far and above the best tool for the job going through the styrene as if you were sculpting butter. Because of this be careful and go slowly, one good slip makes the building in question unarguably a ruin. Cutting Don'ts Everything else- Yes, it might be fun to see what you can melt or burn (depending on the heat out put on yours) but it's not safe or smart to do so. Avoid using this tool improperly, or you might cut a hand off. ![]() ![]() Hot Glue Gun ![]() What's this?! The quintessential grandma gluing device in a hobby setting?! Well get ready for your mind to be blown away by the possibilities. Firstly, this is a unisexual tool. Able to bind together any material so far discussed in this tactica, the basic hot glue gun is overlooked in favor of plastic or super glue. A few differences though. Safety Precautions Not there are some warnings I have to impart when using a Hot glue gun. Don't forget that the tip, possible the case, and more importantly the glue are actually hot! Capable of instantly blistering skin, either the tip or glue are very hot when turned on, in fact the sticky nature of the gun can cause worse burns than a fire because the material sticking to the skin will continue to cook the area until scraped off (the same reason molten cheese is so dangerous). So be safe and smart in it's use and, as always, wear eye protection. Lower powered guns (and as a result glue) is recommended. My experience with hotter guns are non-existent, but a little research shows that the glue and/or tips may be much hotter for some models. I suggest testing a small piece of polysterene to insure the cooling glue will not melt through the material. Where the hot glue gun shines is those areas that aren't usually seen. It can add strength and staying power to any material diiscussed, base coated or not. Different material types can be quickly joined together. The speed doesn't stop at the joining time either, the glue will quickly cool and allow a hobbyist to see his creating. It can also be used to temporarily (and more cleanly) hold a model than super glue can. You can even use some of the glue- if your creative- to create lenses and conversion work for your army. Karma'd - SILK. As for the stickying - we'll see how usefull it is from other members.
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![]() Seventh Sanctum signature oddities. Alignment: Neutral Pessimistic Area of Magical Study: Practical Chronomancy Favorite Spells: Divine Spell of the Cotton Candy Golem and Field of Bacon. Proud supporter of Joe Wood! Makes this your one good deed a day. ![]() http://www.thehungersite.com/ |
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#2 (permalink) |
Ethereal
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Just a quick note to say won't the Hotglue gun melt polystrene given that it's hot enough to burn your skin?
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#3 (permalink) | |
Shas'O
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(No really, it was cheap and it works for me. Color isn't an issue :shifty ![]() I suspect that it isn't much of a problem (for me) because of the glue cooling down within 10 ish seconds of my laying it. I use the thick pink insulation polystyrene if it helps any. I'll add a note warning about possible melting though.
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![]() Seventh Sanctum signature oddities. Alignment: Neutral Pessimistic Area of Magical Study: Practical Chronomancy Favorite Spells: Divine Spell of the Cotton Candy Golem and Field of Bacon. Proud supporter of Joe Wood! Makes this your one good deed a day. ![]() http://www.thehungersite.com/ |
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#4 (permalink) | |
Shas'Vre
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This a great guide, I finally know what to use those scissors for :
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#5 (permalink) | ||
Shas'Ui
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You ought to add in the other types of glue! Especially safety precautions. I've glued myself to every hobby tool in existence, and most of the models from the GW ranges. Hell, I once glued myself to Grave Guard using plastic glue. That's messed up.
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The soulless sentience is the enemy of all. Mournus Skitarii 3rd Legion, the Will of Mourn ![]() |
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#6 (permalink) | |||
Shas'Vre
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#7 (permalink) |
Shas'Saal
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Location: DFW Texas
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I definently support adding a section over:
PVA glue, Super Glue, Plastic Glue, Files, et cetera... this shows promise, but it didnt contain anything i did not already know. |
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#8 (permalink) | |
Shas'O
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If more people ask though, I will update the Guide with glues and the like (I won't do tons of power tools and stuff though, since I don't really have them aside from a drill). ![]()
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![]() Seventh Sanctum signature oddities. Alignment: Neutral Pessimistic Area of Magical Study: Practical Chronomancy Favorite Spells: Divine Spell of the Cotton Candy Golem and Field of Bacon. Proud supporter of Joe Wood! Makes this your one good deed a day. ![]() http://www.thehungersite.com/ |
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#9 (permalink) |
Shas'Vre
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You can't really mix up the use, but you can tell people how to use them more effectively, aka filing before gluing etc.
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#10 (permalink) |
Shas'Ui
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To anyone new, I would recommend reading and re-reading the Hobby Knife safety section, and actually following those guidelines. I skipped... All of them. Again. And I cut myself. Again.
If y'all don't like stitches and not being able to use your thumb for several days, I'd advise keeping a sharp knife and keeping it pointed away from yourself. Just a suggestion.
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The soulless sentience is the enemy of all. Mournus Skitarii 3rd Legion, the Will of Mourn ![]() |
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