Need idea for 1/700 ship Vise, or something to holds ship

[mrwawa]

I am back and building ships again, mostly pre ww1 ships. they are tiny and my fat fingers just won't work anymore

any idea???

thanks..

[steviecee]

look at tools on free time and squadron. micro mark makes tools but I won't buy from them because I have not been pleased with their quality

[mrwawa]

has anyone used Mr Vice from Mr. Hobby ?

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=TOL-0441

[NukeMM]

I usually place my 1/700 ships (1/350 PT Boats in this case) on rolled painters tape affixed to a small strip of wood in order to hold the model while I work on it, especially after it has been painted.

[Cliffy B]

I would think something like this clamp could work especially since you can get some precise pressure to avoid damage.

http://www.amazon.com/10-Wooden-Hand-Sc ... B001DT50LQ

[wefalck]

I don't think the wooden version of the so-called toolmakers' clamps in the above link would be very useful.

I drill a small hole into the bottom of models and tap it for machine screws. For a small model M2 would be sufficient, for bigger ones I use M3. The model is then screwed with a counter-sunk screw on a small piece of wood that is a bit larger than the model. This gives a handle and protects the model.

I also mounted a holder like this one:



onto a small cast-iron base. With this the model is raised about 5 cm above the work surface and can be moved about without any fear to tip it over. I am not showing pictures, as the device is made from salvaged parts and not readily available. A simple aluminium or steel disk would also do. The holder is a so-called 'movement holder' from the watch repair trade. They can be cheaply obtain via ebay from East Asian sources.

wefalck

[wefalck]

Did take a couple of pictures of my device:





I plan to introduce a hinge between the vice and the base, so that the model can be tilted to different angles.

wefalck