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Miniature Sculpting Materials And Tools: Cutting Tools, Fine-Grained Files, Modeling Putty, Pin Vice, Ruler And Toothpicks
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Published: November 28, 2006
"The right tool for the job" is not just a rule for Maintenance workers and do-it yourselfers of the world. It also seems to apply to miniature wargamers of the world. Without tools and materials, miniature wargamers could not participate in their recreational hobby. So it begs the question, what basic miniature sculpting materials and tools are necessary for every wargamer’s worktable when making their own figures or scenery?
The website stephane.info lists six essential tools for miniature wargamers who wish to manufacture their own models. First on the list are three separate cutting tools: one all-purpose blade, one blade for "real sharpness" situations, and one sturdy cutting knife. The first two are depicted as retractable knives. The last one resembles a typical kitchen knife.
The second items are at least two separate fine-grained files; one flat file and one round file. These are used when working with metal miniatures. The website notes that metal files are usually sold in sets. Therefore, wargaming modelers will be buying more than two files in the set. This is an unfortunate yet small problem. However, the extra files may come in handy from time to time.
Third on the list of essential miniature sculpting materials and tools is Modeling Putty, also known as "green stuff." The putty, which feels like chewing gum, comes in a two-colored strip. When the strip is mixed, it becomes a green clay-like material that is sculpted into shape. The website recommends using rubber gloves when working with modeling clay because it causes discomfort to your hands.
Number four on the list of miniature sculpting materials and tools is a Pin Vice. This tool is used to drill holes in your figures in order to strengthen the figure with wire. The pin vice is inexpensive and great for occasional drilling as well as drilling in silence. For more frequent or complex drilling, a Dremel tool is suggested. The drills in a pin vice can be used in a Dremel tool in case you need to upgrade your hardware.
The last two essential items for miniature sculpting are a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended that modelers use a short ruler, one that is approximately three inches long. Rulers are used as a straight edge for cutting in a straight line as well as designing banners. Short rulers are also ideal because they take up less space on your work table.
Toothpicks are handy for removing dried paint on a figure or for mixing epoxy glue. They can also be used as banner poles, sculpting tools, and as pikes and supports on the wargame board.
For "noobs," which is a slang and insulting word for a fairly new and somewhat inexperienced "newbie" gamer, Ryan August posted a suggestion on the KidRobot forum page suggesting use of Super Sculpey sculpturing compound for sculpting your own miniature figures. It is available in most arts and crafts stores as well as on-line retailers. Super Sculpey sands down nicely and holds acrylic paint very well. Unfortunately, it is also very brittle and doesn't bond well with vinyl. More importantly, because Super Sculpey's material is toxic, it is not recommended that you bake it in the same oven that you use to cook food in. When baking the compound at a temperature of 275 degrees, the plastics inside the compound can produce harmful fumes.
Whether you are a “noob” or an expert wargamer, these miniature sculpting materials and tools will help considerably in the manufacture of wargaming figures, buildings, and scenery.
August, Ryan. "Ryan August's sculpting materials thread for the Noobs." Kid Robot Discussion Board. January 8, 2006. KidRobot.com. September 13, 2006.
http://forums.kidrobot.com/viewtopic.php?t=18715 .
Stephane.info. "Tools Guide I". April 29, 2004. Stephane.info. September 13, 2006. http://www.stephane.info/show.php?code=modeling_to ols_1.
Games Workshop. "Modelling Putty (Green Stuff)" product details. Games Workshop Ltd. 2006. UK Online Store. September 13, 2006.
http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk ?do=Individual&code=99219999005.
"Rob." "noob." Urban Dictionary. August 2, 2005. Urban Dictionary. September 13, 2006. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=noo b.
"Fugerko?" "noob." Urban Dictionary. December 25, 2003. Urban Dictionary. September 13, 2006. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=noo b.
The website stephane.info lists six essential tools for miniature wargamers who wish to manufacture their own models. First on the list are three separate cutting tools: one all-purpose blade, one blade for "real sharpness" situations, and one sturdy cutting knife. The first two are depicted as retractable knives. The last one resembles a typical kitchen knife.
The second items are at least two separate fine-grained files; one flat file and one round file. These are used when working with metal miniatures. The website notes that metal files are usually sold in sets. Therefore, wargaming modelers will be buying more than two files in the set. This is an unfortunate yet small problem. However, the extra files may come in handy from time to time.
Third on the list of essential miniature sculpting materials and tools is Modeling Putty, also known as "green stuff." The putty, which feels like chewing gum, comes in a two-colored strip. When the strip is mixed, it becomes a green clay-like material that is sculpted into shape. The website recommends using rubber gloves when working with modeling clay because it causes discomfort to your hands.
Number four on the list of miniature sculpting materials and tools is a Pin Vice. This tool is used to drill holes in your figures in order to strengthen the figure with wire. The pin vice is inexpensive and great for occasional drilling as well as drilling in silence. For more frequent or complex drilling, a Dremel tool is suggested. The drills in a pin vice can be used in a Dremel tool in case you need to upgrade your hardware.
The last two essential items for miniature sculpting are a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended that modelers use a short ruler, one that is approximately three inches long. Rulers are used as a straight edge for cutting in a straight line as well as designing banners. Short rulers are also ideal because they take up less space on your work table.
Toothpicks are handy for removing dried paint on a figure or for mixing epoxy glue. They can also be used as banner poles, sculpting tools, and as pikes and supports on the wargame board.
For "noobs," which is a slang and insulting word for a fairly new and somewhat inexperienced "newbie" gamer, Ryan August posted a suggestion on the KidRobot forum page suggesting use of Super Sculpey sculpturing compound for sculpting your own miniature figures. It is available in most arts and crafts stores as well as on-line retailers. Super Sculpey sands down nicely and holds acrylic paint very well. Unfortunately, it is also very brittle and doesn't bond well with vinyl. More importantly, because Super Sculpey's material is toxic, it is not recommended that you bake it in the same oven that you use to cook food in. When baking the compound at a temperature of 275 degrees, the plastics inside the compound can produce harmful fumes.
Whether you are a “noob” or an expert wargamer, these miniature sculpting materials and tools will help considerably in the manufacture of wargaming figures, buildings, and scenery.
August, Ryan. "Ryan August's sculpting materials thread for the Noobs." Kid Robot Discussion Board. January 8, 2006. KidRobot.com. September 13, 2006.
http://forums.kidrobot.com/viewtopic.php?t=18715 .
Stephane.info. "Tools Guide I". April 29, 2004. Stephane.info. September 13, 2006. http://www.stephane.info/show.php?code=modeling_to ols_1.
Games Workshop. "Modelling Putty (Green Stuff)" product details. Games Workshop Ltd. 2006. UK Online Store. September 13, 2006.
http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk ?do=Individual&code=99219999005.
"Rob." "noob." Urban Dictionary. August 2, 2005. Urban Dictionary. September 13, 2006. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=noo b.
"Fugerko?" "noob." Urban Dictionary. December 25, 2003. Urban Dictionary. September 13, 2006. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=noo b.
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