Has anyone used the Humbrol tool sets (medium here: http://www.humbrol.com/medium-tool-set.html)? I understand that these are probably not the greatest and best around, but for a newbie looking to get all the basics in go (without handing out too much cash ), would it suffice?
Hi mate, personally I think I would have a look around for a tool kit on places like Ebay. You can get some good basic tool kits with a similar content for less money. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with the Humbrol kit, but in my opinion I think it is a bit expensive for what you get.
As a general rule of thumb, try to go for the best tools that you can afford, especially with your modelling knife. That being said, it doesn't hurt to look around the bargain basement shops as I've picked things like cutting mats, files, emery boards, tweezers, micro-drills etc for usually less than £2.
Hope this helps.
W.I.P.
Revell 1/72 P-47M
Airfix 1/72 Bristol F2B Fighter
Technical Consultation for MrsModellor :- Tamiya 1/35 S.A.S. Pink Panther
This kind of topic comes up in my other hobbies websites for woodworking and leather working as both are very tool intensive
One school of thought is buy fewer quality tools as you go along as per your needs for the project; another schools says buy lots of cheaper tools right away
There is no right or wrong and I admit to doing a bit of both, but really try to avoid cheaper tools with weak metals as lousy tools drive me nuts
Bought my first Tamiya sprue cutter last month after stabbing myself and breaking a landing gear cutting with an Exacto knife
Just saying
Scott
On, Under or near the desk
Brewster Buffalo ..buddy build
Rockford Firebird 1/72 Black Pearl Pirate Ship in dry dock
IMHO identify your needs and buy accordingly. Tool sets = a set = stuff you may not want or need. A LOT of the stuff we use does not come from a hobby shop. Learn to shop around and yes EBay is your friend
On my desk:
1/350 Alpha Class Sub (Russian)
1/350 Akula Class sub (Russian)
1/350 USS Missouri USN Battleship BB-63
Yes, what I am looking for is simply a good starting box, to get me started, knowing well that if I sourced the tools individually I might find better alternatives for each point. However, currently I lack the know-how to recognize which brands offer these “better alternatives”, so my original thought was to get some kind of an all-inclusive kit, and then slowly replacing the tools I find lacking or as they break down with better quality ones. About the price point, it might be that I'm simply used to overpriced tools in my local hardware store, but I thought the ~20 £/25 € price was rather good.
Packs of sanding sticks and polishers and tweezers at least as good as you've got there can be found on the cosmetics counter in your local pound shop, they will also have a selection of clamps and side cutters.
Small crocodile clips used for electric wires can be attached to barbecue skewers and used for holding parts for painting.
You'll also find cocktail sticks, cotton buds, white tac (better than Blu-Tac as it leaves less grease) micro masking tape (it's used for doing those fancy patterns the ladies paint on their nails nowadays) and other bits and bobs you will find a use for in the same local pound shop. Their kid's jewellery is a good source of bits of assorted wire and small chain, small beads for instrument panel/navigation/landing lights, shiny wrapping tape is useful for mirrors - the list goes on and on .....
Micro drill sets and pin drills are cheaply available on ebay along with modelling knives.
As Daishi12 says, don't skimp on your knife - it's probably the most useful all-round tool you'll have - and probably the one that will cause most injuries/damage if you get a cheap one!
), would it suffice?
