1. Hobby Knife: How many different blades should I get, because I saw a set at the hobby shop with 20 or more for $40-50!
I would go with 1, maybe 2. I would go with a #11 blade and one that is good for cutting radiuses
2. Tweezers: How many and what kind do I need?
I have a big pair with blunt ends and a smaller pair with sharp ends. They pretty much cover my needs.
3. Side/Wire Cutters: Again, how many and which ones?
I have a pair of the Xuron sprue nippers. They are quite handy and should last.
4. Mini Files: Are these sanding files? Not a clue what they are
Generally no, they are used for removing material quickly, you may have to use putty over the top of whatever you removed to clean it up.
5. Flexi-Files: Huh?!
Small, soft sanding pads that are easily contoured to diffrent shapes.
6. Mini-Drill and bits: What for and where can I find one?
Check out the LHS or www.squadron.com For drilling mini holes
7. Punch & Die sets: Who is going to die from these?! (in other words what are they?)
I have no idea what they are for, I do know they are expensive and I don't think I have ever needed them?
8. Clamps: Which ones are sensitive enough for models?
I bought a bag of 100 clothes pins for $3 at walmart. they work perfect for just about everything.
9. Sanding Bands, sticks, disc, and paper: There's more than sandpaper?!
Flexi-File = sanding stick Soft sanding blocks can be nice to have around to
10. Scriber: How many do I need?
Just 1
11. Weights: What do most people use for this? Actual weights or homemade things?
??? Try fishing sinkers, they are already weighed for you.
12. Dremel: What?! Modellers use this?
Some, I can't speak from experiance. < I can't seem to speak at all ![Big Smile [:D]](/FSM/CS/emoticons/icon_smile_big.gif)
13. Putty & Spreader: What kind?
Cheap artist knives work well, and I use Squadron white putty.
14. Seam Scraper: Huh? Is this another word for a scriber?
Not really, it works on the same principal, but you can do the same thing with a sanding stick
15. Tape: I bought Parafilm M a few years back, is that still good?
Beats me
16. Calipers and rulers: Do I have to get THAT precise?
No, have fun, you may want to later, but I don't own anything more than a ruler, and I don't hardly use that!
17. Paint! Which is the 'best' (most preferred I guess) or what would you advise?
I like Model Master Enamels, but try a few diffrent kinds to find the one that works for you.
18. Brushes: How many different kinds, what size, and which kinds (A.C. Moore or Testors)?
I use cheap ones from walmart. They are the upscale brand, but still cheap, and they last to!
19. Home Items: Cocktail sticks, toothpicks, masking and scotch tape, nail clippers and files, clothespins, chip-bag holders, rubber bands, scissors, cotton swabs. Anything else?
Pipe cleaners, I try to keep some of those around.
20. Self Sealing Cutting Mat: I only have a glass computer desk, so I need to get something!
If you have a Hobby Lobby, you can get generic ones there for a decent price.
Good luck ShigginMan! Oh, and I buy most of my stuff at www.hobbylinc.com