Canopies

Yep. I find myself using a magnifying glass alot more lately. I don't really have a problem with my 'fingers', but I certainly find that I can do much finer cuts and painting when I do it under a magnifying glass. I also find that it helps if you have some sort of device or aparatus to hold the part you're working on. For canopies, I'd suggest getting a clump of putty or something that you can set the canopy on. This way, you can hold the putty rather than the canopy. I often put the canopy onto some putty and then just secure the putty right to my desk. Then I do the cutting, etc through the magnifying glass. I have to reposition the putty/canopy quite often, but the end results are much better (I say that like I'm an expert, but the reality is that it's just something I do with LOTS of small parts). It usually takes a bit longer to get it done, but I'm usually much more pleased with the first effort and spend less time re-doing the part.

Good luck

Murray

Simon -
I'd have to say that as things get smaller in scale, I find that a set of magnifiers (the ones that sit on my head and can hinge up or down) are very useful - they can allow a much closer look at what you're doing and will give even larger fingers a helping hand (no pun intended).
It's often easier to make very small movements with your fingers if you have a magnified view. Consider the delicate surgery opthamalic surgeons perform - they don't trust their patients eyesight to the good old eyeball Mk1, do they? I use them, even though I've got 20/20 vision. They're a big help. Give them a try.
Cheers,
LeeTree