SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

What is the oldest tool you own for modeling? (Not your hands!)

5318 views
57 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in central North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 12:18 PM

EdGrune

I also have a Stewart-Lundahl #410M airbrush

What a dinosaur!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 https://i.imgur.com/LjRRaV1.png

 

 

 
  • Member since
    March 2023
Posted by B52_Chief on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 12:11 PM

Not "spilling paint". Adding charachter, or, if you want to be hoity toity "patina"!

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 1:03 PM

EdGrune

Both came to me when I helped clean out an old balsa & tissue paper shop.   They live on the top shelf of my hobby room next to the rattlecan of Ed (Rat Fink) Roth custom gray primer

  

That airbrush is wild! And I'm pretty sure I had a doctor stick me with a Deluxe Glue Gun once. Big Smile

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 9:53 AM

Xacto, at least 55 yrs old.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Sunday, February 12, 2023 10:22 AM

I have a "Deluxe Glue Gun" from the Austin Craft Co of Kingman AZ.  This is an all metal syringe which allows the "user to reach hard to get at places, however small."  

I also have a Stewart-Lundahl #410M airbrush

This thing came with a rubber hose connector.   No fancy fittings here.   Put your thumb over the hole on the back of the handle to allow airflow out the nozzle.   Trigger, we don't need a stinking trigger,  thats what thumbs are for!

Both came to me when I helped clean out an old balsa & tissue paper shop.   They live on the top shelf of my hobby room next to the rattlecan of Ed (Rat Fink) Roth custom gray primer

 

  • Member since
    March 2020
  • From: South Florida
Posted by Having-fun on Friday, February 3, 2023 1:53 PM

stikpusher

My oldest modeling tools? Probably this X-acto handle and clamp, both probably around 50 years old, give or take a few years.

 

 

Back in the middle 60s, I went to a small store back in NYC and found a X-Acto set in a wooden box, I said to myself, "Yee! that would be a nice set for me to have" so I went ahead a purchased it, I do not remember how much I paid, but it was not much.

 

This box rested in a drawer in my house for about 50 years or so, then, when I started doing my ships (about 3 or 4 years ago) I found the box and opened it, besides a bit of rust in some of the blades, it was in perfect order and in brand new condition. I have since use them in the building of my ships.

 

You never know when you will use a particular tool!

 

Joe

 

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: UK
Posted by Jon_a_its on Thursday, February 2, 2023 2:43 AM

First tools I bought my self 44 years ago...

Badger 200 airbrush, Still used sometimes.

Como Drill with transformer, used often, but the case has been replaced.

I still have a bunch of Dentists drills, given to me by the dentist....

Mini file and riffler file sets

 

East Mids Model Club 32nd Annual Show 2nd April 2023

 http://www.eastmidsmodelclub.co.uk/

Don't feed the CM!

 

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 7:24 PM

The oldest modeling tool I still have is a wire cutter that belonged to my dad.  But that was just a front, not side, cutting, hardware store type.  Brittle 1970s Italeri kits didn't like the huge crushy jaws!

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 3:17 PM

Rob Gronovius

When I was a kid in high school (1978-82), my sister dated the captain of the football team. He worked in a factory that made tweezers in Charlestown, NH one summer.

He brought me three tweezers, a pair of needle tipped, curved needle tipped and a more substantial pair that had a hook on the handle side.

I still have all three.

As I think about it, he was a year older than my sister, so he would have graduated in 1979 and probably worked in that factory that summer.

So, my oldest tools I still own and use are three tweezers I've had for around 44 years.

I also made some of those reverse clothes pin clamps that I still use. Those are probably older, but under 50 years old.

But, the oldest tool I have still in my toolbox is an old pair of fingernail clippers that I used when instructions used to tell you not to twist parts off the sprue. I think pre-1975.

 

 

Great story, Rob! Do you have pics? Of the tweezers AND the clippers? We'd love to see them.

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 3:16 PM

the Baron

I first bought a Dremel rotary tool in my second pass as a modeler, back around '89 or '90.  It was the basic single-speed model.  It eventually wore out after about 25 years, and I contacted Dremel about getting it repaired.  They asked me to send it in and they'd look at it.  They called me back to say they that it was obsolete and they couldn't repair it.  What they could do, was to send me a new rotary tool, the equivalent model, free of charge! I will buy Dremel's products till I drop.

 

I've heard about Dremel doing that, though I've never been a recipient. Very cool! I love Dremel tools. Never been disappointed by them.

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 2:14 PM

When I was a kid in high school (1978-82), my sister dated the captain of the football team. He worked in a factory that made tweezers in Charlestown, NH one summer.

He brought me three tweezers, a pair of needle tipped, curved needle tipped and a more substantial pair that had a hook on the handle side.

I still have all three.

As I think about it, he was a year older than my sister, so he would have graduated in 1979 and probably worked in that factory that summer.

So, my oldest tools I still own and use are three tweezers I've had for around 44 years.

I also made some of those reverse clothes pin clamps that I still use. Those are probably older, but under 50 years old.

But, the oldest tool I have still in my toolbox is an old pair of fingernail clippers that I used when instructions used to tell you not to twist parts off the sprue. I think pre-1975.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 12:51 PM

Tim Kidwell

...On the motorized tool side, I used to have a Dremel belt/disk sander and scroll saw. Both went the way off the Dodo. Still have a Dremel lathe around here somewhere. And plenty of Dremel rotary tools--even two flexible dentist extensions. I'll see if I can dig them up. 

I first bought a Dremel rotary tool in my second pass as a modeler, back around '89 or '90.  It was the basic single-speed model.  It eventually wore out after about 25 years, and I contacted Dremel about getting it repaired.  They asked me to send it in and they'd look at it.  They called me back to say they that it was obsolete and they couldn't repair it.  What they could do, was to send me a new rotary tool, the equivalent model, free of charge! I will buy Dremel's products till I drop.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Monday, January 30, 2023 2:52 PM

Don, Stik, Johnny: That's what I'm talking about! Very nice, indeed.

On the motorized tool side, I used to have a Dremel belt/disk sander and scroll saw. Both went the way off the Dodo. Still have a Dremel lathe around here somewhere. And plenty of Dremel rotary tools--even two flexible dentist extensions. I'll see if I can dig them up.

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Close to Chicago
Posted by JohnnyK on Monday, January 30, 2023 2:26 PM

My drill is about 60 years old.

Your comments and questions are always welcome.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Sunday, January 29, 2023 10:26 PM

My oldest modeling tools? Probably this X-acto handle and clamp, both probably around 50 years old, give or take a few years.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    March 2022
  • From: Twin cities, MN
Posted by missileman2000 on Saturday, January 28, 2023 7:36 PM

Here is my 70 year old Dremel

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Saturday, January 28, 2023 9:12 AM

Hey Tim!

    Well, whaddya know I got's me an old set of shears too. From Australia! Neato devices for sure

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Saturday, January 28, 2023 9:11 AM

Hey!

       That looks normal to me! Landlady had her Brother build her a table we both use. It's got a Half inch thick top, three quarter inch bottom shelf and 2x4" frames with 4/4" legs.She does Her glass work on one side and I use the other. In warm weather of course. There is no heat in the garage so i work in my setup in my room. Yes, It does get too cool to work there in New Braunfels in the winter!

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Thursday, January 26, 2023 11:03 AM

A bit of an optical illustion, too.  The sag is exaggerated from that angle.  If I stand where the chair is, it's there, just not as pronounced.

But yeah, in any case, I have it on my punch list to add a support.  As soon as the temperature goes up enough in my garage.  It's winter here, and the garage is unheated.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:16 PM

Tim Kidwell
Okay. I have to get back to editing Snapshots, a magazine cover, and reviews.

If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that one!

Seriously scary, Brad.

Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 12:58 PM

Sorry! I've been editing stories and shooting video, so my head has been elsewhere.

That is ... like ... holy smoke, Brad. You've got guts to build there. How much white metal you have on those shelves?

Since posting this thread, I've been going through my modeling tools, putting together toolboxes for my son (14) and daughter (7). You remember in a response to Greg about the X-Acto toolboxes, I mentioned a cabinet? Well, I decided to clear it out as part of the process and opened one of the drawers which I must have never opened before and found this:




I don't remember seeing Dad using it, but it is now my new brass rod snips. Don't know how old it is (I suspect older than me because I doubt he picked them up while living in Alaska and long before the internet!), but, man, it feels nice in the hand and cuts cleanly. And Footprint Tools is still in business! Still making tools in Sheffield, England, and been at it since 1760. 

Okay. I have to get back to editing Snapshots, a magazine cover, and reviews. Everyone have a great day and share some photos of the oldest tool you use for modeling! 

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 9:23 AM

scaler
 
the Baron 
 
GMorrison
 

Morrison's Second Law of Modeling:

"No matter the size of the bench; the available work space will always be exactly two square feet"...

 

 

Those sagging shelves are about to collapse! 

Yeah, I was surprised that the plywood bowed like that, as fast as it did.  I installed that hutch back in March 2020, and the shelves are 3/4" plywood.

The shelves are supported at the middle in the back by a brace with horizontal cleats. They're the same as the side supports.

Though, much of what's in those boxes is my gray army.  I'm going to add another support to the front.

I may move some of those to the metal storage shelves that are behind the camera in this shot, too.  I'm gradually organizing the storage, because it's happened more frequently recently that I've found things I forgot I had.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2016
Posted by scaler on Monday, January 23, 2023 7:13 PM

the Baron

 

 
GMorrison
 

Morrison's Second Law of Modeling:

"No matter the size of the bench; the available work space will always be exactly two square feet"...

 

 

Or less Wink

 

 

 

 

Those sagging shelves are about to collapse!

Some think this is actually fun!
  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Monday, January 23, 2023 8:00 AM

GMorrison
 

Morrison's Second Law of Modeling:

"No matter the size of the bench; the available work space will always be exactly two square feet"...

Or less Wink

 

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in central North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Saturday, January 21, 2023 2:12 PM

Most of my dad's watch maker tools, about '78 years now.

He was a watchmaker, not repair man.

But he was a repair man as a medic in the Philippines campaign.

 https://i.imgur.com/LjRRaV1.png

 

 

 
  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Saturday, January 21, 2023 1:33 PM

plasticjunkie
 
Real G

I purchased my Badger AB in 1976 at Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami. Still runs like new. 

Yeah, stuff was built to last back then.  My Badger has been in continuous use for over 40 years, and I've only replaced the paint cup once (chrome plating wore off), the air valve twice (I inadvertently damaged them with solvent while cleaning), and the medium head and needle once (dropped them).  I also had to replace the air hose twice due to age.

I DID buy many replacement nylon gaskets due to them getting lost while cleaning.  I once forgot to take it off and pressed the trigger while cleaning, and saw the gasket fly into the yard (I paint in the patio), never to be seen again.

My airbrush saw several compressors come and go (Propel cans, my mom's car spare tire(!), a reciprocating diaphram model, and two silent models.

It has also survived attempted successors, including an Aztek (really hated it!) and a Iwata double action.  I use the Iwata from time to time, but I like my 40 year old Badger single action.  The Iwata is a fine precision instrument, but I can strip and clean the Badger in the dark with my eyes closed.

"This is my airbrush.  There are others like it but this one is mine..."

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    April 2020
Posted by Eaglecash867 on Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:50 AM

Tim Kidwell

Armornut, Eaglecash, and Missileman: Cool! Care to share photos of the lovelies?

 

Here's my workhorse, the Paasche H.

"You can have my illegal fireworks when you pry them from my cold, dead fingers...which are...over there somewhere."

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:18 AM

GMorrison

Morrison's Second Law of Modeling:

 "No matter the size of the bench; the available work space will always be exactly two square feet". 

In Japan it is 20cm x 20cm (less than 10"x10").  Japanese apartments are small!

So is the First Law of Modeling "A hobby knife dropped will always land tip first on your foot or floor"?

And which law states "A dropped detail part will never be found until you stop looking for it"?

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Northeast WA State
Posted by armornut on Friday, January 20, 2023 2:38 PM

   GMorrison is right...exactly 2square feet. Also spilling paint is a right of passage...keeps ya humble, helps ya remember when you were young and the 12in channellocks was the only tool to open that .79cent jar of Testors Gloss OD for the Mo ogram Sherman.

     As for spots....buy place mats...your better half will never know.

    Thanks Greg. Gonna work on it this weekend.

we're modelers it's what we do

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.