“This will be fine,” I said. Mum replied with a look that didn’t agree. The dining room table was already covered in newspaper, and it was soon to be smothered in Dad’s wood glue, random paint out of the cupboard, and, much to my Mum’s joy, one of her “special” table knives (because they were sharper).
I hardly knew my times tables. So cutting the sprue with a table knife seemed like a good idea… as did assembling it with wood glue.
Today, you’ll learn from my mistakes and, more precisely, how you can pick the right model-making tools. So rather than a wince, you can put a genuine smile on your Mum's face.
Why are model making tools important?
Model-making tools are specialised bits of kit tailored to different stages of the model-making process (e.g. cutting, assembling or painting). Some model kits supply basic tools. But as I quickly found out – many moons ago – the quality of your tools does impact your ability to make models. So it’s often worth investing in better ones.
For example, better model-making tools allow for better precision, helping you assemble more accurately. They might allow you to work faster. They might even be required to complete the model. Your blades will stay sharper. Brushes and bristles stay tighter. And your mats, more resilient.
But as yours fingers will agree, arguably the most important benefit of quality tools for model building is comfort (or lack of pain). Because we’ve all tried preparing tiny pieces… only for our fingers to stay stuck together.
Now, I’m not convinced the Ancient Egyptians had similar difficulties, which is where modelling looks to begin. So let’s file back time and follow the path to today’s model-making tools.
The history of model-making tools
The development of model-making tools unsurprisingly follows the development of models. And this timeline is not just interesting but rather useful too. Now, model-making is mostly for fun, but previously, models have helped us understand historical events, eras, technological developments and stages of architecture. (CAD wasn’t a thing when Michaelangelo prepared to build St Peter's Basilica)
CAD safety at its finest
To the start of this “pharaoh-tale” we go.
The Ancient modellers
So, the earliest examples of models date back to Ancient Egypt, where they would accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These models were made from wood and were apparently very detailed. When you consider the tools available at the time (ones similar to my Mum's favourite table knife, maybe?), it was a real presentation of skill.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used models. They were the first to use them to help plan and build urban areas.
The Battle of the Builds
Some 5000 years later, as humanity left the Middle Ages, dropped a 'D', replaced the 'I' with an 'O' and swapped the 'E' and 'L', they developed their uses for models. As the Greeks and Romans did, architects also used models. This time, though, they used them to guide those putting stone to stone and making some of the world’s most beautiful buildings (like the Florence Cathedral).
Da Vinci was also an infamous model maker, with many of his model-making theories still in use today.
It was also around this time that models began to help plan military strategies and big expeditions. So, rather than verbally explaining, those in charge could show them.
Full steam ahead
The model-making pioneers had left their mark and laid the foundations. Now it was time for a revolution. During the mid/late 18th Century, metalworking improved very quickly. So not only did new tools hit the market, but model-making became more widespread and a normal part of planning, developing and testing new (suitable) technologies - even those in ships!
Our primal fascination with things that move was rife. And as steam engines began to popularise, so did our desire to make them in miniature form. Models of such were expensive and only available to those who could afford them (very few!). However, the desire was there, and it laid the tracks for the leisure-based models of the future.
Fantastic plastic
Mass manufacturing was becoming a “thing”. So, important items like clothes, cars and model trains could now be accessed by more people. Hornby released its first model train in 1920: a clockwork zero gauge (1:48) model.
At this time, models were still mostly made from metal or wood. But, between WW1 and WW2, in the 1930s, plastic production took off. And it didn’t take long for it to seep into models and toys.
As you’d probably expect, early plastic toys were simple and lacked detail. And they did. But it was a huge step forward into modern model-making, especially because, around a similar time, X-Acto also released their first hobby knife
Ribbittt
Our fascination with moving things expanded from steam trains to warplanes, tanks and ships. And model companies capitalised. Frog, a British model construction kit brand, launched a 1:72 scale cellulose acetate aircraft kit, supposedly the world’s first plastic model building kit. These kits required tools, opening the door to a new market.
So, from the tools that worked on a large scale, brands started to toy with the idea of tools for smaller ones.
Airfix, which initially sold rubber-inflated toys (until rubber shortages during the war), made a scaled-down model of a TE20 tractor. But as cool as it was, it was expensive to assemble. So they stopped assembling…
Kits… kits, everywhere!
Manufacturing progressed; models became more accurate and cost less (especially when brands didn’t have to assemble them themselves!). So more people could now enjoy them.
Fueled by the rise in TV advertising, household names like Revell, Airfix and Tamiya established themselves with model kits, turning the 1950s and 60s into a golden era of model-making. For example...
In 1953, Tamiya became a specialised wooden model kit maker, and seven years later, released their first all-plastic kit – a 1/800-scale Yamato battleship model.
In 1956, OLFA invented their infamous snap-off blade cutter.
In 1951, Revell started producing toy cars (Highway Pioneers) that children had to assemble first. Their first plane, the F-94 Starfire, followed a year or two after.
Airfix also sold their first ‘real’ Airfix kit and, in 1953, launched their well-recognised BTK Spitfire.
Larger manufacturers (e.g. car manufacturers) loved it. It was free PR! In fact, model manufacturers often had an early glimpse into what was coming to help sell accurate 'big versions'.
So, this was a wildly successful time. Seemingly everyone wanted to make their favourite car, train or plane. In the 1970s, Airfix alone said they were selling 2 million model kits every year!
Modelling the future
As we left the 20th Century and headed into the 21st, manufacturing progress brought greater accuracy and intricacy. Our beloved model-making tools became even better. CAD had established itself. OLFA launched their self-healing (PVC) cutting mat, which didn’t dull blades like wood did. Xuron invented the “spruce cutters”. Excel knives arrived in the 80s.
Model-making became almost competitive. Modellers wanted to see how accurately they could make their creations.
More recently, the arrival of 3D printing has opened a new realm to explore. Now, you have the freedom to not only assemble models but also make your own custom kits. There are even online communities to share them!
It’s a wonderful time to be a modeller. And if you've never done it before, you might be questioning what tools you need to start.
Well, question no more.
Model-making tools for beginners
Model-making tools can be expensive. So, the goal for now is to test the waters and see whether model making is something you’d like to continue doing. These tools will get you going.
Hobby knife
A precision knife will help you make clean, accurate cuts. You’ll be trimming small, fragile parts and something sharp and comfy to hold - i.e. not the table knife! - will make cutting and assembling much easier.
There are lots to choose from
Sprue Cutters
You’ll also be cutting things that aren’t always flat. Sometimes, you just need something to grip it to cut it. Sometimes, you just need your sprue cutters.
Mat
When you’re cutting, you don’t really want to damage your dining room table. Nor your knife. Nor yourself. A mat will stop that. Most have non-slip surfaces and heal after cuts. Your dining room table does not. Plus, lots also have markings to help you measure.
Is that a table knife?
Adhesives and fillers
Plastic cement and super glue are must-haves. One chemically "welds" surfaces together, and the other reacts with moisture. A lot of modellers also have putty in their collection (to help fill holes). Depending on your kit, this might be worth having too.
Sandpaper and files
When you cut, there are often some rough edges. Not only does this look a bit "pants" (my Mum's words) but it also means you won’t be able to assemble your model as well. Sandpaper sticks or mini-files smoothen rough edges, remove sprue marks and make your assembly look more professional.
Tweezers
I don’t know if you’re like me, but I struggle to pick up lollipop sticks, let alone small model parts. Tweezers make handling small parts much easier. So, you can glue them to the right part – and not the underside of your arm.
Paintbrushes
A range of paintbrushes is always wise. One for large coverage, one for small. You can opt for cheaper ones now and invest in more (and better ones) for classier finishes later.
Acrylic paints
If you have brushes, you should probably get paint. Acrylic paints are easy to clean up and also allow for quick(ish) corrections.
Advanced model-making tools
Once you’re certain you want to continue modelling, then you might want to consider investing in better model-making tools. We have an article on non-model-making tool investment here, where the same principles apply.
But that’s there, and you’re here. In short, you want to start small with the essentials (high-use tools) and gradually build your collection. Naturally, the types of tools you need will depend on the types of models you enjoy building.
Why invest in more advanced tools?
Well, better model-making tools allow you to be more precise with your work, so you can model better. Advanced tools for model building are stronger, more durable and allow you to complete more complex models. Some tools might even save you time on some of the more tedious tasks. (They also hurt your hands less when you’re applying small details!)
Did someone say “stronger”? The MetMo Multi Drive
Invest-worthy tools for model building
As your skills improve, your model-making tools will likely become a limiting factor. So when that time comes, what should you invest in? Here are some popular recommendations:
Hobby knives
You can invest in better knives - these might come with exchangeable blades. Better knives will also be made with better materials, meaning they'll stay sharper for longer. You could also opt for different-shaped blades for different jobs (like curved blades for intricate shaping).
Airbrush
For the best paint application, you might consider investing in an airbrush to get smooth, even coats of paint (over larger areas). You can then use your paintbrush for the smaller, finer details.
Professional grade paint and brushes
With an airbrush, you’ll need quality paint to avoid clogging and thinning on application. You can use this as the perfect excuse to buy larger quantities of high-quality paint. And maybe some better brushes, too? Fellow modellers often recommend a selection of smaller brushes, such as size 0 or 00, for varying intricate applications.
Tape
Don't panic. Detailed painting with big fingers isn't easy, especially after six coffees. To protect specific areas and leave smooth, sharp (intentional) lines when you paint, using tape can help. So can fewer coffees.
Pin vices
Holding small components is tricky at the best of times. As model kits get more and more intricate, so do the pieces. A pin vice can help you handle and prep them for assembly.
Storing your tools
Now, as your collection of model-making tools inevitably grows, you need more space to store and protect them. A little while back, we shared an article about tool storage. And whilst it wasn’t written with model tools in mind, the storage ideas still apply. (You could even make scaled-down versions of them!)
The MetMo Multi Drive
But if you’d like to utilise the most of your space, then let me introduce something the team have put together: The MetMo Multi Drive. Or the MetMo Pocket Hexpert, I thought, because it’s… err… six tools in... er... one…
See!
Jokes aside, it’s genuinely a great tool. Because, unlike a lot of combo tools, this does each of its jobs really damn well. We’ve used materials not normally seen outside of engineering to combine a knife, pencil, scribe, drill, file and micro driver and put them in one so they can fit into your pocket. You could model on the go!
We designed it to combine otherwise specialist tools (like a surgeon’s scalpel, an electronic manufacturer's pin drill and even marking points from a 50-year-old marking kit). Now they’re all in one hand-friendly tool with easy-swap-and-super-secure ends, thanks to our steel (and not brass!) collet.
Our redesigned collet
If you’re interested, you can learn more about our Multi Drive here.
Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the sanding-ovation-worthy article (sorry…) on model-making tools. If you have, drop a comment below. And then, as one last shameless plug, CubeClub is our forum where we speak all things MetMo, engineering and whatever takes our fancy with metal - including models! We’d love to see you there.
