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My homemade tool

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  • Member since
    December 2002
My homemade tool
Posted by 7474 on Saturday, December 7, 2013 10:56 AM

Hi all:

I build a lot of airliners, as well as others that require a straight line. After priming and a base coat, I plan to use this to set up a straight line for masking, such as a hull line on a ship. In the past I've had problems finding the right amount of books, CD cases, whatever else in combination to get the right height that I needed. On a recent visit to my aunt and uncle's house, I went into the shop and after a few hours, I walked out with the parts that I needed and later glued the parts that needed it. I didn't use any dimensions, only made it until it looked right and could accommodate a nut and bolt to hold it together. I figure I have about 300 degrees of rotation from one side to the the other, and as close or far as the beam can go. I wanted to share this if you needed ideas. If you want me to build one, I can do that also.I just have to come up with a jig to hold a model level about its longitudinal and lateral axis. Let me know your thoughts.

I plan on making improved versions, as far as stability of holding the marking tool (pencil, pen) and overall quality. This is just a prototype.

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by JimNTENN on Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:59 AM

That's a good idea. I actually bought one from Micro-Mark that I haven't used yet. Yours looks like it would pass the test if you just work out a way to secure the marking tool better. A couple of small metal brackets should do the trick I would think.

Current project(s): Hobby Boss: 1/72 F9F-2 Panther

                                  Midwest Products: Skiff(wood model)

                                  

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Sunday, December 8, 2013 11:14 AM

I'm a firm believer in making your own tools when it is feasible. I guess if you have enough money, then buy all the tools you need as well as the kits. Personally, being retired and on a small pension and SS, I'd rather spend my money on kits, so if I can build a tool without a tremendous effort, I do so.  Your tool is a great example of homemade tools that ease the modeling work, but don't take enormous effort,

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    December 2002
Posted by 7474 on Sunday, December 8, 2013 1:32 PM
  • Member since
    September 2013
  • From: San Antonio, Texas
Posted by Marcus McBean on Sunday, December 8, 2013 5:17 PM

I have this tool.  Make sure you use a pencil unless you really want to scribe a line.  That needle that comes with it is razor sharp and will easily carve a line on your plastic model.

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by JimNTENN on Sunday, December 8, 2013 5:33 PM

Yeah that's the one I bought. I actually bought it in hopes of using it with my milling machine and lathe but haven't done that yet either.

Current project(s): Hobby Boss: 1/72 F9F-2 Panther

                                  Midwest Products: Skiff(wood model)

                                  

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