CutlassCam Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I live in the UK and I could do with some decent modelling tools. As we all know, the Games Wrokshop ones are very expensive, so can anyone suggest any decent alternatives? Links (if they're ok) would be helpful. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subtle Discord Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Short list: Art Store - Fine (No. 11) Razor blades, Adhesives, Paint Brushes - both high and low quality, Modeling tools, Cutting pads, Mould making materials (I shop locally, mostly) Hobby Shop - Scratch building supplies, Plastics, Adhesives, Basing materials, Pin Vices, Paints, Primers, Sealants, Decal related products, Air Brushes (Again, mostly local) Jewellery Supply - High quality Files, Razor Saws, Bench Pins, Fine Drill Bits, Mini Anvils and Vices, Pliers and Clippers of all kind (The quality of 'jewellery tools' can't be beat, period. I order from Contenti and Rio Grande) Hardware Store - Lamps and Compact Florescent Lights, Metal cutters, Mallets, Heavy Razor blades, and all sorts of other 'heavier' tools you might need. (And again, I shop locally) In many cases there will be overlap in what you can get at certain places. An Art Store will have many of the things a Hobby Shop will carry, for example. But, when it comes to the things you can get from a Jewellery Supply, I haven't found anywhere else that can compare. The files, saws, and drill bits are hit-and-miss (at best) or complete crap (at worse) compared to a Jewellery Supply place. Plus, many times the prices for the inferior tools are comparable, or worse, to the quality ones. (I'm looking at you GW) And finally, as a shameless personal plug, have a look at my blog if you'd like to read me talking at length about many of the tools (and other miniature workshop items) that I use all the time. Once I got my hands on some good tools, it made me understand just how much of a handicap using bad tools can be. Quality tools won't replace skill, technique, and patients, but they will have a noticeable improvement compared to cheap tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CutlassCam Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 Once again Mr. Discord thank you very much, I'll have a browse and see what I can afford. Do you notice a big difference with the brushes? Are they not made from the same fibres? (Boars' hair if my memory serves me well.) And I shall be reading your blog tonight, seems like some helpful stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subtle Discord Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Sable brushes are what I would consider the standard, with Kolinsky Sable being premium. Synthetic bristle (Taklon) brushes are passable cheap for doing rough work, but they wear out quickly. Can you get good results with a low-to-medium quality brush? Absolutely. But after using medium quality brushes for years, I'm glad I finally spent a little money on a select few high quality Kolinsky Sable brushes. I started with just two (A #1 and a #0), and when they lasted for over two years and were still in good shape, I was sold. I bought four more, and they are all I use for most of my painting. If you treat good brushes well, they hold up really well. I still use my first two I bought 6+ years ago. Beyond holding up well, they just paint... better. They hold their tip better, never split, have better spring, hold more paint per dip, and just 'glide' better. As with any good tool. They won't 'make' you a good painter, but they'll help the paint go where you want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedPig Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 try www.micromark.com I've done business with them for about 20 years now, GREAT company, fast service, and being model builders, they buy all sorts of tools that work for what we need, which aren't normally model tools. They have dental stuff, ear forceps, etc. Get the catalog, you'll see... <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemal Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 maplin for razor saws, needle files, clippers, pliers etc etc. SO Much cheaper than any model shops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WingsOfTheFalcon Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 You can also get quite a lot of tools and brushes from amazon if you fancy shopping from the couch.. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Karr Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 I suggest this place for tools. the quality on some things is questionable but a lot of the stuff is the same product that Micro-mark re-brands Widget Supply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayesh Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 youve always got ebay - can pick up files/tools etc pretty cheap there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElectricFrog Posted December 18, 2011 Share Posted December 18, 2011 My whole modelling tool kit cost peanuts. Wilkinsons for small files, side cutters and a steel ruler, Poundland for craft knives (2 large and several small retractable types in the same pack for a quid. Don't get their scalpel set - the handles dont grip the blades hard enough) and tweezers. My paint brushes are from Rymans, i forget the brand but they're gold handled with a nice rubber cushioned grip. Wilkinsons also do big bottles of PVA glue, and Model Zone have a good range of plastic glues (i like Revell Exacta @ £2.49 cos it has a really fine applicator tip). The whole lot lives in a £4.99 tool box, again from Wilko's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razblood Posted December 19, 2011 Share Posted December 19, 2011 Antenocitis Workshop Site is a good one. Cheap, carry quite a selection of tools and supplies and also stock pretty much the entire Vallejo range of paints at seriously low prices ;) And I second E-Bay as I got a great set of files on there for around £2.50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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