Hobbies And Interests
Files
For removing extra bits of plastic or wood, many hobby builders keep a file in their hobby toolbox. Some are usable on all types of materials, while others are specifically designed for either wood or plastic.
Pin Vise
A pin vise is a miniature hand-held drill assembly. The hobbyist opens the vise and inserts tiny drill bits referred to as "pins" into it, then secures them in place. They are particularly useful for creating small apertures designed to hold screws, deck stanchions or a miniature flagpole. Like small files, pin vises are available at most hobby shops or model railroad stores.
Tweezers
For grasping some of the tiny components that go into building a model boat, it&'s hard to get along without a pair of tweezers. Many model boat builders own several different types, such as spade-ended tweezers or those which are tapered or pointed on the ends.
Hobby Knives
For cutting plastic parts away from their "trees," most model boat builders would be lost without their hobby knives. Like other modeler&'s tools, hobby knives are small. They are also extremely sharp and often come in a small kit with different sized and shaped interchangeable blades.
Screwdrivers
For installing the tiny screws on boat models, a set of "jeweler&'s" screwdrivers are another essential tool in the modeler&'s toolkit. Most are sold in sets with multiple sizes and may be slotted or Phillips type. They are available at most hobby shops or home improvement stores. Screwdrivers of this size are also handy for tightening a loose screw on a pair of eyeglasses.
Fly Tying Vise
For holding tiny parts while painting them, many model boat builders employ a fisherman&'s fly tying vise. Their greatest advantage is that they free the modeler to use both hands, while the vise grips the part or assembly he is painting. Some are also equipped with a magnifying glass which is useful when painting very small parts or figurines. They are available at most sporting goods stores or tackle shops.
Emery Board
For fine sanding and smoothing, model boat builders often use ordinary emery boards. The are inexpensive, completely disposable, and are available at virtually any drug or grocery store.
Lighted Magnifiers
Another tool many model boat builders find indispensable is a lighted magnifier. When gluing, finishing or painting a model, exacting detail is every modeler&'s ultimate goal, and this tool helps him achieve it. Other hobbyists use lighted magnifiers, too, such as stamp and coin collectors.