Archive for Product Review
Product Review-Dual Cutter
Posted by: | CommentsYou might have seen this included in another post here on my blog at which time I probably said a further review was coming. Well here it is!
Excel’s Adjustable Duel Flex Cutter Set
If you are constantly cutting narrow strips of tape for masking and need them precisely the same each time, then you might want to pick up this set.
I found it very easy to use, I simply set the width between the blades by holding then to a steel ruler. Or using the model itself to set the spacing such as a stripe on an airliner using decal stock.
The adjustment knob has just the right amount of friction to turn easily yet hold the blades in a constant parallel. It was comfortable to hold and use with no worries about slipping from ones hand.
This tool has come in very useful since I acquired it. My homemade version has since been retired. I never did like having two knives taped together, it restricted width selection.
You can also use it as a light scriber to scribe parallel lines on plastic. I’ve even use it as caliper for transferring measurement…nothing better than a tool that multitasks!
Available at most hobby and craft stores stocking the Excel line of quality tools.
Product Review-Sanding Needles
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There are some who keep Sprue Brothers homepage up all day, day in and day out to see what has newly arrived. I’m NOT one of those! I do check it daily and when I spotted yet another sanding tool I had to try it.
Sanding Needles is a product from Stevens International which compliments their Swizzle Stick Sanders which I also use as part of the assembly of my scale models. They are fine for flat surfaces but I needed something besides my Rat Tail Files to work inside holes, opens and recessed areas with a curved shape.
I’ve given these new Sanding Needles a workout as I tackled several projects that I have let sit on the side because I had done everything I could with what I had on hand. These things really worked great!
Visit the Sprue Brothers site and look up part number HSX0400 for the assortment pack illustrated or you can get each or the three different grits individually. Coarse 150 grit. Fine 320 grit. Medium 240 grit. Recommended!
Round Disc Tool
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I’m always on the lookout for tools that make my scale modeling tasks easier. The other day while Christmas shopping at Hobby Lobby while perusing the aisles I found a couple of punch sets near the leather tooling supplies. Since I had a couple of different tools to do small and extremely small sized discs, I opted to pickup the one for larger holes.
For six bucks I got a tool to help me knock out round discs for a variety of scale modeling purposes. Here I used some of the free card stock I got in the mail to test the punch. This disc will actually be part of a build I am currently working on.
While I’m on the subject of tools let me mention my favorite tools…those that are free and functional. Our good friends over at Sprue Brothers gave a gift last year of a small flexible shaft flashlight and laser pointer. Now this is a “promotional gift” but it is one that works. I like those…some places give away ink pens that are dried up from the first attempt of using them. This flashlight came in real handy the other evening when I needed to illuminate the inside of a model to see to align interlock wing tabs. I couldn’t seem to feel my way to making them connect, but I was able to stick the shaft of this flashlight to peer into the model to see what I needed to align and connect the tabs. Whew! That was a frustration quickly curbed with the right tool at the right time. It pays to be a good customer, especially when they give goodies like this away! Its also perfect for inspecting models at contests…you can use the laser to point out details and the light to illuminate them…especially in a dark exhibit room.
Raptor Force-Video Review
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Man has always looked towards birds to learn about flight. Even in this modern time, man continues to dream he had the ability to fly as well as a Raptor. In the video RAPTOR FORCE, an episode of Nature which appears on Public Television, you see how man through technology strives to imitate the ultimate hunters in the sky, the Raptors.
The video runs for approximately 60 minutes and is filled with some spectacular footage of Hawks, Eagles Owls and Falcons as they soar, dive and take their prey. You’ll also be treated to some great footage of the F-22 Raptor as it struts its stuff trying to emulate those feathered Raptors such as the Falcon.
The design of these feathered hunters is amazing, they include designs for stealth, speed, detection and maneuverability yet unmatched by man and his machines. I purchased my Raptor Force DVD through Shop Thirteen which supports PBS.
I recommend this video!
The Wrangler
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As a modeler I am always looking for an easier and more effective way to accomplish tasks that are difficult or repetitive. Take bending wire or PE parts that require bending into a curved or circular shapes. The good folks at The Small Shop seem to have known what I need. Case in point the latest addition tool to my scale modeling arsenal…the Wrangler.
Whether you need to bend yourself some grab handles, rings, loops or springs for that project on your bench, you can accomplish those tasks easily with the Wrangler. Machined from aircraft grade aluminum it is easy to use and comes with comprehensive instruction. The Small Shop also includes links to show the product in use.
The investment in this tool will provide me an opportunity to save money by not having to purchase aftermarket accessories for several of the projects in my stash. I can now easily fabricate my own parts to accessorize my build.
I’ve already started to look for other applications for this tool. I can see several potential uses for it. Tools that have the ability to multitask are highly desirable on my workbench.
Soon I hope to share how I make use of this new addition, I know much of the frustrations of bending dozens of grab handles for some of the armor in my stash just got eliminated. Now where did I put that bundle of wire?
Visit The Small Shop Today!
