Where to purchase tools from

Chas · Post by **Chas** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:16 pm

I've been away from modeling for over 30 years and don't have any ideas on where to get started other than being here. Can I please get recommendations on where to buy the tools I'll need? IE: micro files and drill bits, paints, etc.

Thanks,

Chas

mike mccabe · Post by **mike mccabe** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:35 pm

Chas
I would recommend that one of the first things you buy is one of the books by Mike Ashey, the Basics of Ship Modelling or Building and Detailing Scale Model Ships. I bought one not long after I got back into modelling and found it invaluable, I read it from cover to cover about three times. Not only will it give you lots of hints on building the models, but in the second one at least, if not both, there is a list of the tools you will need. Like me you will probably find things have moved on an awful lot and there are so many more and better tools for the modeller around now than there were in the seventies and eighties.

Are you in the USA?

Mike

Devin · Post by **Devin** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:36 pm

If in the USA, order online at Micro Mark. I get everything I can from them.

-Devin

Chas · Post by **Chas** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:44 pm

Thanks for the input. I'll check that resource out. Additionally, I have ordered 2 "how-to" CD's from one of the guys in the forum. I do okay reading the materials but sometimes find it much easier to understand if I'm shown what to do.

I hate to admit this but I have a cognitive disorder that makes understanding difficult technical materials a very slow and arduous task.
But with everyone's help, I think I'll manage okay

RNfanDan · Post by **RNfanDan** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 8:08 pm

Discount electronics-supply houses are among the best sources for many "hobby" tools, as long as you know what to look for. Tweezers for PC (That's Printed Circuit, not personal computer) work are identical to those sold in hobby stores, but often at greatly-reduced cost; same with blades, knife handles, magnifier lamps, clamps, vises, drills, cutters, pliers, and you-name-it. Well-equipped electronics suppliers such as Mouser, MCM Electronics, and Tessco (to name just a few) can help you save some hard-earned cash for your modelling bench.

mike mccabe · Post by **mike mccabe** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:08 am

Dan is right, decide what you need and have a look in one of these shops first, they are often a lot cheaper. Also for filing and sanding, get some of the fine nail buffers that women use for their finger nails, they are pretty much the same as what the model shops sell and half the price.

Mike

les · Post by **les** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:16 am

In the US there's an outfit called Harbor Freight. They have all kinds of low cost tools that range from large to very small. Check out their website.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 5:12 pm

Why, your local Hobby Shop of course!

Chas · Post by **Chas** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 5:22 pm

I'm sorry to say that the towns we live around don't have hobby shops that are worthwhile for anyone to go to. There's just not the market in our area to support that kind of habit. That's why I find these internet contacts so crucial.

Thanks,
Chas

les · Post by **les** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 9:38 am

Squadron Shop also has tools.