Hawkeye’s Squawkbox

I’ve received a few emails from fellow modelers who follow my threads on the various forums asking me basic modeling How-To questions. So let’s do a bit of modeling 101, the basics.

Let’s start with workbenches and tools. A tour of my modeling bench where we’ll look at the various tools of the trade. Though each modelers bench is unique, they do share a lot of similarities. Also remember…“It’s not the bench that makes the model, it’s the modeler at the bench.” So each modeler’s bench is suitable to their needs, not necessarily to anyone else.

There are modelers who have limited space. Some have the space yet keep their work area small. Here is an example of one such bench. Everything is within easy reach. Paints, tools, paint booth, trash can and television! This modeler builds outstanding models from this little corner of a room in his home.

Workbenches may also need to meet certain household and child friendly requirements. When my boys were young I needed a bench that allowed me ample work room as well as means to secure it from little hands and fingers when I wasn’t using it.

My solution was making a self contained cabinet style bench that featured two doors that when opened, supported a fold up extension to the work surface. It could be closed up tight and locked.

Work benches can be small and cozy or huge and expansive. It all depends what you can facilitate and you are comfortable using.

Regardless of your bench layout, size or location there are some basic necessities you need.

Light! This is something that you can’t have too much of. Sunlight is best, but when you’re down in a basement, good warm artificial light is a must. Color correct or full spectrum is easier and more affordable than it once was, so if you can implement its use do so.

After light comes ventilation. You want your work area to be at a suitable temperature to keep you comfortable. But remember that many of the products you will be using have harmful fumes. You need adequate ventilation (exhaust venting preferred) to reduce the effects of inhalation of toxic fumes. I won’t harp on this topic, but please exercise some common sense.

Sitting or standing while you work. I prefer to stand, so my bench is high off the floor. I do have the appropriate drafting chair that gives me a place to sit when I need to. A comfortable supportive seat is, in my opinion important. For those of use who stand, an anti-fatigue mat is a must.

Now we have a place to work, sufficient light, adequately comfortable and a comfy chair. Let’s take a look at whats on the bench. As you can see in the picture of my current workshop, I have tool boxes for storage of my tools and accessories. These boxes have been recycled from storage of my mechanics tools when I upgraded to a Snap-On roll cab. Again these can be locked to keep little fingers out of things little kids should not have access to.

Tool and accessories need to be accessible. If you can’t find what your looking for at the exact moment you need it, disaster can occur. Been there done that. Probably one of the hardest disciplines in modeling is putting the tools back where they belong so they can be found when needed. GUILTY!

Workbenches evolve. My is constantly changing though the changes have slowed down to a crawl lately. At one time I kept my tools and accessories on top of the bench within easy reach. However, when I needed more work surface, I shifted towards the use of toolboxes and the drawers they contained. You can find various tool caddies, drawers, bins and containers to hold your “stuff.”

I’ve found that having all of my stuff on top of the bench made it prone to collecting dust from sanding, overspray from painting and sometimes it was just in the way of what I was doing.

Storing my stuff in drawers requires an extra step of opening a drawer, but it does solve the problems I mentioned. Again, you have to design your space to meet your needs and available resources. As your bench evolves and you collect more stuff you’ll find you need to adapt accordingly.

Keen organization is a must so everything is readily available when needed. Each modeler has his or her own methodology to their individual workbench and how they interact with it. My bench too does degrade into what some would call chaos while others see it as “normal.” This usually is the time when as some would say “the spirit leaves” and modeling becomes difficult. It is during these times I clean and organize the workshop, returning it to it’s “pristine” condition.

In the next segment we’ll take a closer look at what’s on the bench. Specifically the tools and the accessories I’ve acquired and found useful over the years. So until next time HAPPY MODELING!

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Today I uploaded two more videos in the series of using SnJ Polishing Powders. Though they are not exactly they ones I wanted, they’ll work until I can re-shoot something better. Hey, it’s LIVE after all!

The second in the series deals with the tools I use to apply the SnJ Polishing Powders. In the third I actually show you how I apply and buff the powders.

SnJ Polishing Powders-Tools

SnJ Polishing Powders-Applying & Buffing

Hope you find these useful.

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As modelers we are always striving to find a better end result in our craft. Part of which is accomplished in our use of techniques as well as tools. Let’s talk tools for a moment.

Modeling tools range from the basic hobby knife to the purpose designed Photo Etch benders. Over the years I have collected probably as many tools as I have kits…well there was a tipping point where the kits surpassed the tools, but needless to say I have a lot.

As with my mechanics tools, I’ve found that there are some that accomplish the task at hand that are not “brand named” tools. I don’t need to spend the extra to get a more precise tool. Yet, there are instances when you do need a quality brand name tool to accomplish the job.

The same goes for those tools for my modeling. I have a collection of “bargain bin” tools that accomplish the task for which I purchased them to do. However, after years of use they are not functioning as well as they once did. Then again neither am I. Sure I could go out and find a suitable bargain bin replacement, but will they continue to match my skill sets?

I guess I’ve begun to take a more critical eye on both business and personal economics. Our economy has been flooded with “bargain products” which has created a detrimental trade surplus. So now I give careful consideration to the products I purchase, not to say I am boycotting imports, I just weigh the need more carefully before I spend my money.

Which leads me to a few of my top picks of the tools I use; they include Xuron, Excel and The Small Shop. As I have advanced in skill, I have found it necessary for the tools I use to be better in performance and quality.

Xuron offers some of the best, pliers, shears, scissors and cutters I have ever used. Understand that these
products are primarily used in production facilities around the world so they must be durable as well as precise.

Excel offers in my opinion blades that hold their sharp edge longer than their competitors. Their knife handles are not only comfortable in one’s hand but they also hold the blades securely. There is nothing more frustrating and dangerous as a blade that wiggles while performing a delicate task.

It took me a long time to justify the purchase of a PE bending jig. I didn’t do a whole lot of PE in my builds…but. When you look at the costs of such PE sets, you quickly learn that a mistake can be costly. So, I decided that I needed the right tool for the job. In this case I went to the best, The Small Shop and purchased one of their many such bending devices. It has made things much easier and less frustrating due to PE bending mishaps.

Yes, you can say I am endorsing these tools. Why? Well it is because modelers are always asking me what I use and why. So when I have successes with products I advocate their use. Be an educated consumer and invest in your modeling resources wisely.

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