Expensive tools are the really worth it??

Hello there! Hope you guys dont mind my bumping this thread.  I didnt want to start a new thread and this was the closest thread I can find.

Just a question re: Tamiya Routers and Drills:

Theirs are the ones easily available locally. Can I assume that the router can accomodate bits for the drill, vice versa? This way, I dont have to purchase both the Router and the Drill.

OR, would any drill do the job, say a Black & Decker?

Thanks!

Some are. For example a PE folding tool is very useful if you want to get really good right-angle folds in brass.

But for most of my cutting and shaping I use old tools from my dentist. They can be altered in many ways to suit your needs -- so make friends with your dentist!

When deciding to buy a tool or any model building supply, I usually ask myself if I can really do without it and will the price be worth the aggravation it will save me? In the case of the tools I have I can honestly answer "no" and "yes" respectively. I have a Badger single action and an Iwata double action ab. and wouldn't give up either, use both extensively, and with good results. I had an aztec and sold it for more than I bought it and got the Iwata. The aztec was junk. I also have a seam scraper offered by Micro Mark which has been terrific for removing molded on detail as well as the small multitool for bending photoetch. This last one was a bit too expensive for my liking but I never seemed to have the right size dowel or rod at the time I needed it and to supply my workbench would have negated some of the cost anyway. In addition, it has been a very useful addition since my branching off from aircraft to resin ships. Those PE gun tubs and railings are a bit more palatable now.

I don't know where you are from, but where I live is a place called Harbor Freight Tools, they are also online. They have a lot of the same stuff for models, but at much cheaper prices. The one near me is two doors down from a hobby store, and I went from one to the other, and found several things that both places had, but was much more expensive at the hobby shop!

I have to admit that I am easy when I see second hand tools for sale that I feel I can use sometime and thus have rather a collection - but I do venture into all sorts of modelling spheres and so can justify having them.(?) The Unimat lathe enables me to turn jet pipes etc.and also make hole punches as and when - I find the diversion making the tool I need on (rare) occasions theraputic. I am always reminded in debates such as this of master modellers I have known (or known of) who produced masterpieces from scratch - from scrap bits of wood and metal with no "power" type tools at all. Harold Underhill (now sadly deceased) built beautiful miniture static model ships with a very basic collection of hand tools - on a card table. He silver soldered 1/32 (and smaller) hand fashioned rings onto mast bands for example using a torch that consisted of a piece of rubber tube connected to the gas cooker ring jet with a small diameter piece of tube at the end and another piece of tube in his mouth! the finished article was perfect everytime!! I wonder now where his models went - rumour has it to the USA. Incidentally when they became dirty and dusty he simply left them out in the (heavy) rain for a few hours! Some people like to make life hard for themselves - I enjoy using the lathe and other "luxury" items - but surely it is a case of whatever turns you on. Naturally manufacturers will suggest you cannot work without their product and some modellers will easily demonstrate they can. I have to say that with plastic models I rarely use my mini drill save to drill holes (!!) nor the sander - don't trust my technical skill and might take too much off the airbrush however is a gem!! Aztek incidentally which I find for modelling purposes as good as any of the more expensive, and not so expensive , I have used. PE benders do not do much for me either - maybe I should try harder with one however. I am interested in the Waldron punch - as I am feeling a bit idle can someone direct me please to a web site where I can "view" the works???? AS has been said above one of the best tools is the examples and words of wisdom one gets from a site such as this, and purely as an example can I refer to the Swanny site. Many thanks.
David.

I HAVE INEXPENSIVE TOOLS WHICH I BOUGHT FROM CHEAP SHOPS YEARS AGO , NEVER HAD PROBLEM WITH THEM AT ANYTIME, BUT BEWARE OF CHEAP KNIVES WITH PLASTIC INSERTS AS THEY CAN LET BLADES COME LOOSE AT THE WRONG TIME , MY BEST ONES ARE NEEDLE FILES KNIVES SAME AS E-ACTO BUT CHEAPER NEVER HAD PROBLEM WITH THEM AND HAVE MY FIRST KNIVES FROM THE 1960,S STILL GOING STRONG!!
ALSO A TIP I BOUGHT A COUPLE OF DENTAL ITEMS ,NOW WHAT I DID WITH A 2 DIFFERENT END PROBE WAS SHARPEN THE END, HHEEEYY PRESTO I HAD A PLASTIC SCRIBER YUP I HAVE BEEN USING IT ON MY PT BOATS WHEN I FOUND OUT THE KITS MANUFACTURERS FORGOT TO INCLUDE ALL THE WINDOWS ON THE WHEEL HOUSE!!! I JUST SCRIBED THEM IN.
I HAVE KKNIVES, NEEDLE FILES PLUS OTHE MINATURE FILES BOUGHT ON THE CHEAP PLUS WIRE BRUSHES SMALL ONES FOR CLEANING THE FILES.
HOPE THIS HELP YOU GUYS OUT THERE .
SEAN SEWELL

My most expensive tools are my compressor, AB and bench sander which I bought when woodworkers warehouse was closing for $60.

As for tools, I always check out the flea markets and lets not pass on those auto swap meets. They have similiar tools for sale that we use (clamps, vise, etc.).

Finding inexpensive sable brushes has always been a chore tho.

Also, there are a lot of common items that can be used for our hobby that is found in places like wal mart and K mart that does not put much of a dent in ones wallet either.

So much for my 2 cents!

I have not been buying kits lately and I have no stash at the moment. To me I need to up grade my tools and have been doing so recently. I have a new scriber in the mail that I am looking forward. Another tool I have been spending a good bit of $$$ on is reference material. These new tools and reference are really helping me decide what I will be building in the near future.
I am really eye balling the waldron tools right because the way I am starting to model and my interest in the hobby is going in a direction that tools of that type will be needed.

A good quality tool, that makes the job you are doing easier, is never expensive. The only expensive tool is the one that you don't use because it makes the job harder. I have a dremel, Aztec airbrush+compressor, and a benchtop illuminated magnifier. I don't consider any of them expensive

There's nothing worse than a cheap tool that breaks at the wrong time!

I have some fancy tools, and have rightly so been accused of being a "Magpie", but my-oh-my have I ever had some good use for them!

My tool list includes

• Etch-Mate
• Multi tool
• 2 different xuron cutters
• model vise with magnifying glass
• Pin vise
• several swiss files
[hoards of squadron sanding sticks[/*]

And sooo much more. I have a Badger that was given to me (My tresured badger!) and an Aztek. I use both, I have a compressor and different scribing tools. I could probably licve without most of it, but it is very helpful.
One of my other tools that I have used over the years is Fine Scale Modeler! Have enjoyed it and have subscribed to it for the past few months.
But there will still be many years before my skill is up to what most of you that I see here..., One day...

But likae man y other things, opinions are just that. Tools are good to have, but you make do with what you have, and if that is enough, then so be it.

Tomorrow I will go to Princess Auto and buy a "Dremel-ish" tool that is battery powered for $33 Canadian!!

Among the few things I somewhat regret buying is the GrabHandler, mostly because I can't produce consistant results with it. Which is probably more the fault of bad technique on my part, but then that's why I bought it , to get consistant results without having do a lot of tedious measuring and remeasuring when bending wire. I get one side with a nice square shape to it, but the other side always seems to be bowed. Argh. It's a nicely-machine little tool to be sure, but I just don't think it fits my needs

My take on this is that if a tool makes modeling easier and less tedious, and allows you to enjoy it more, then its money well spent. Some people enjoy the things other people hate. I have a hold and folf, and I use it for most of my PE bends. Could I use 2 razor blades, sure. But the tool makes PE easier for me, and if I can afford a tool i think will work, then i buy it. I have alot of diferent tools and rarely do i think I have been ripped off. To each his own as long as it helps make you better at the hobby you love.

I am with most of the guys here...messed up to much in the past to even bother with cheep tools....you get what you pay fo in life.....

Now...another question....what IS a good tool.....

Iwata Airbush ...just get better and better all the time great!
Hold & Fold I diont struggle..anymore.I like the deep fingers over otherdesigns.
Micro-Detailer & Dremmel...Power tools...big and small...beats carving resin anytime.
Brass Assist Roller set...Rolls shapes and bends tiny tie dowms....all on one tool...
Zuron Cutters Just use them for every thing now...and ruduced cutting my thumb !!

All these seem to be able to more jobs than I first thought....of be better at it ! :)...so I dont mind paying for them...= GOOD TOOL=Worth it

Bad Tools
Aztec....limmited now to base and primer coats
Cutting Twezzers...just to small..
Cheep Digi Camra...had to upgrade !!


Your thoughts ?

Like the rest here I reckon I got enough kits for the next 5-8yrs, which is not a bad thing as fewer kits that grab my attention seem to be released these days.

So by working through the stash and buying less kits I might hit par in 13~15yrs.

Like Matt, I'm in the position where I have enough kits to be getting on with for the next couple of months, and therefore, like Matt I've turned my attention to stocking up on those tools which I think represent a good long term investment.

So far I've bought an air regulator/filter, I can't beleive the difference that has made to my spraying ability, a 4" Hold-n-fold, I've screwed up too much PE with pliers and knives, and I'm looking to get a set of Xuron cutters and some Micromesh polishing cloths.

The Waldron punch and die set looks expensive for what it is, but I know there have bee times when I could have done with it, so maybe that is one that will go on the future acquistions list.

I don't believe in buying tools for the sake of it, but can't help but feel that there are some tools out there which really do add an extra dimension to your modeling ability.

Karl

Most of my tools are cheap or inexpensive, only thing I spent much money on is my airbrush(first airbrush was a gift from my ex, second I bought third a gift from a sale rep) compressoer and Dremel. I think we find and buy what we need and use, cost is secondary.

I concur with most of the rest of the replies. Some tools are definitely worth the cost. One must have a good tweezers or two, good quality paint brushes, a hobby knife, and I think a good motor tool is essential. The PE folding tools and GrabHandler look like great tools and I wouldn't mind having one of each, though I really think they are way over-priced (maybe I will win a set in the FSM monthly give-away). ANd of course a good airbrush and compressor are necessary. But I can't justify $50-60 for an Etch-Mate when I've been very successful with my squared tipped tweezers and razor blades.

Don't mind me... just moving this from General Discussion to the Tools forum.

I was actually extremely lucky on my last visit to Japan.
Managed to pick the following bit set at VOLKS(getting a 2nd one when I am there in Feb.) for about $18.


Methinks those are diamond tipped. Excuse the poor picture quality.
Those are for the rough work, fine detail & smoothing I still do with sandpaper and sanding pads.
Flaws tend to show up easily on 200mm and bigger figs.

The ball tips are great for adding damage to kits.

i have a dremel, but i can't find a "smooth" enough grit wheel to suit what i'd like to do with it. i do grind down hunks of resin and such, but as for sanding a kit with one, i don't do much of that at all. what do you use your dremel for? later.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Model Museum I wasn't really so much tallking about your everyday tools like dremels, knifes, etc. But more of the specialised tools like etchmate and similar.

In that case, the only "specialized" tool I have is a Hold-n-fold. I had been getting along just fine bending PE with pliers and whatnot, but the H&F seemed like a good idea, so I bought it. And heck yeah, it was worth it! Its stability alone saves me a lot of headaches. Not only is the functionality of it worth it, but it is a very high quality piece of equipment. Worth the price no matter how you look at it.

By the way MM, a Dremel (motor tool) wasn't an "everyday tool" to me until just last year! I'd wager there are many modellers here who don't have one. I had gotten along just fine with sandpaper, files, and knives until Wave came out with their inexpensive but excellent motor tool. And it was worth it!!
It has become one of my "everyday tools," along with my Hold-n-Fold and everything else.

And as I mentioned before, "worth" is in the wallet of the beholder...

I wasn't really so much tallking about your everyday tools like dremels, knifes, etc.
But more of the specialised tools like etchmate and similar.

Looking at my workbench I see plenty of expensive tools(Compressors, airbrushes, router, helping hands, etc) but those are all high-end options of what I consider everyday tools.
Said that I found that I use more stanley blades(Box-cutters for the US guys) than x-acto style blades.

they say that you buy a cheap tool twice.
could be more true. I found a set of swiss type files sold by the bucket.
the reason being that you needed a whole bucket just to make a decent complete set.....
but in general as the wise men said apart froma good cutting and scribing tool
the rest are cheap.
I dont have a dremel, at the moment my 10 buck drill works just nicely.
I control the revs by adjusting the voltage from the transformer but I can live with it.

Brushes, a good quality soft brush can make all the difference in the world. Becuase the building I live in will not allow me to use an AB inside, I am limited to the warmer months of the year, thus I have come to appreciate a good red sable brush :)

QUOTE: Originally posted by Aurora-7 QUOTE: Originally posted by Matthew Usher Interesting topic and discussion! I know a lot of a model's success or failure is related to the skill of its builder, but there really is something to be said for having exactly the right tool for the job at hand. I have invested more in tools than kits over the past few years and one tool I still waffle on is a Waldron Punch and Die set for aircraft instrument panels. I have several 1/32 kits I'd like to use it on but it's hard for me to get past the $60.00 price tag. I could understand paying $200.00 plus for and airbrush and compressor but such a specialized tool for that much money still spooks me. And as far as I know, there is no other similar tool at a lower price. I guess it just costs a lot to machine those little rods and template.

I have the Waldron set. I found one for sale in the vendor room of a contest a couple of years ago.

At first, it seemed a little specialized to me, too, but now that I have one I wonder how I worked without it. It's very handy for a lot of different tasks.

Matt @ FSM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Aurora-7 I have invested more in tools than kits over the past few years and one tool I still waffle on is a Waldron Punch and Die set for aircraft instrument panels. I have several 1/32 kits I'd like to use it on but it's hard for me to get past the $60.00 price tag.

I hear that. I just broke down and bought a Waldron punch set from GM for $49.95. Got really tired of cutting reheat decals out with a straight razor not to mention all the other applications I can see for it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Matthew Usher Interesting topic and discussion! I know a lot of a model's success or failure is related to the skill of its builder, but there really is something to be said for having exactly the right tool for the job at hand.

I have invested more in tools than kits over the past few years and one tool I still waffle on is a Waldron Punch and Die set for aircraft instrument panels. I have several 1/32 kits I'd like to use it on but it's hard for me to get past the $60.00 price tag. I could understand paying $200.00 plus for and airbrush and compressor but such a specialized tool for that much money still spooks me. And as far as I know, there is no other similar tool at a lower price. I guess it just costs a lot to machine those little rods and template.

Interesting topic and discussion!

After moving my larger-than-I-realized unbuilt kit collection a few years ago, I switched my hobby-budget focus. I stopped buying new kits (mostly, anyway) and instead started putting that money toward tools and supplies -- things I could use to build the kits I already had at home, or ones that I'd build for the magazine.

It was a great move. I haven't invested big money in anything (no lathes or milling machines) but I have a great selection of files, picks, and hobby knives, a Panavise, a punch-and-die set, a couple of magnifiers, motor tools and bits, and not surprisingly, new tool organizers. Nothing spectacular, just plenty of good, basic tools.

I know a lot of a model's success or failure is related to the skill of its builder, but there really is something to be said for having exactly the right tool for the job at hand. If I need to remove a seam from a tight spot, I have a selection of riffler files that will take care of things quickly and easily. I find that with a better selection of tools to choose from, I enjoy model building a lot more, and I'm able to build a whole lot faster. And I always appreciate the fact that once I invest in a good tool, it'll always be there, ready for use.

Matthew Usher @ FSM

I have a large collection of tools that I've gathered over the years, but I think some of the fad tools are a waste. Buy the best AB & compressor you can afford, a good pair of sprue snips, several good modeling knifes, a good set of Swiss files, lots of sanding sticks & micro mesh sanding pads, a couple of quality scribing tools, a good 6" steel rule, a few rolls of Dymo tape, 2 or 3 varieties of quality scissors, some tweezers, pin vices & precision drill bits, and that's about all you really need.

Regards, Rick