CLOTHESPIN SANDING BLOCKS: Indispensable for tight areas, precision angle sanding, etc. A tube of white glue, some WOODEN clothespins (the spring clip type, not "wedgies") and small strips of abrasive sheet, are all that are needed to make a number of blocks. These clothespins are available cheaply in large bagfuls at my local dollar store. When a block wears out, I just throw it awayand grab another.
Simply glue a strip to the flat surface of the clothespin, let it dry, then trim away the excess strip. You could use double-sided 3-M or other brand tape instead of white glue, then just peel-away the old strip after it becomes worn. This method works well with plastic clothespins, for wet-sanding work. I keep both kinds handy, in abrasions ranging from #220 to #600.
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PARTS TRAP: Most of us modellers have made sacrifices to the carpet gods! Here's a tool I've used for years in my electronics work, now applied to my modelling hobby--it's great for recovering those tiny masts, yardarms, guns, fittings, etc. that we invariably drop on the rug.
Using rubber bands and a square cut from ordinary ladies' nylon hosiery/stockings, simply lap the material over the business end of a vacuum-cleaner hose or wand, secure it in place with a rubber band or two, and PRESTO!--you now have a handy small parts recovery aid!
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OTHER MONEY SAVERS: When something I need just can't be found or is too expensive at a hobby supplier, I often refer to other sources for help. In particular hand tools, such as tweezers, clips, vises, cutting tools, etc., can often be obtained from discount electronics-supply firms. For example, a razor knife kit, retailing for $27.99 at a local hobby shop, was also available from a mail-order electronic tools distributor, for less than $20, including postage; this same supplier had a file and pick set--- basically jeweler tools, but labelled for another use---for under half the cost of a similar file set at the hobby shop. I won't mention names/brands here, but my point is, try to think outside the box!
Fabric and sewing supply stores can be useful resources. They often stock useful items that can apply to warship modelling, especially for scratch-building or conversion work. These include rotary fabric cutters (available in large and small-blade versions), T-pins (too many uses to count), working surface mats, lighted magnifiers, etc. They also stock hundreds of small plastic beads and decorative products that just happen to make good deck fittings, depth charges, searchlights--even turrets, directors and catapult mounts--with a minor bit of filing and sanding.
Some may also stock translucent pattern sheets, which make a SUPERB means of tracing warship plans directly from books and photographs, without damaging precious or borrowed (or BOTH) publications. A pattern sheet can then serve as a template to lay over blank wood, styrene or resin, or other surfaces. It's a breeze to then drill, cut, mark locator points on decks, etc. In certain cases, it may even eliminate the need to buy expensive plan drawings.
I hope you will find this post useful! What ideas might you bring to this forum?
Danny DON'T "waterline"...!
theres one variety that comes with a really thin, yet really stiff card backing. it tastes nice, and when you're done chuck the card in your spares box, I have enough material to scratch build and entire fleet. 
I will miss you Werner. Fair winds and following seas.
