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Description
I get a lot of questions about scale modeling, where to find kits,what kind of paint to use, but one thing that is often overlooked is tools. I thought it would be good to show what tools anyone new to the craft will want starting out. most of these tools are almost essential, or at least make the hobby much easier. I use these tools on every kit i build and think that anybody starting out would really benefit from owning these.
This is just IMO and i will discuss more on brushes and paint in a latter tutorial.

Basic tools:

Hobby knife with extra blades: a good knife and sharp blades are just about a requirement for any scale modeler. A knife will help clean parts, can be used as a probe and of course help with any cutting you need. the knife i use was well under $10.00, is metal and covered with a soft plastic. you will be using this knife alot so pick up one for comfort and durability. a good knife will last you years. extra blades are a must as well. a package of 100 will cost under $20 us and last you a very long time. remember never use a dull blade, it will affect your work and can be dangerous.

Sharp side cutter: this tool will eliminate alot of work and headaches for you. it is used to removed the parts from the runners. this will cut down on time and broken parts. i use a Tamiya brand and can be fond for under $30 us. a must for plastic injection models!

Reverse pressure tweezers: these tweezers will help with placing small parts and decals. the reverse pressure design will make it so you can work without having to apply pressure to the tweezers to hold the part. these can be a life saver and can be found for quite cheap. i found mine for $1.00

mini file set or sand paper: are a must for cleaning and smoothing out parts. i use the files because they can get into hard to reach places. can be found for under $15 us. tho sandpaper can work just as good and is much cheaper.

glues: you are going to need glue and you should just skip alot of the cheaper stuff and just buy the best IMO, you will thank me latter. Tamiya extra thin($5us) comes in liquid form and comes with a handy brush built in to the cap. once its dry its so thin the glue marks will not show thru paint. all around great product and the best model glue i have ever used.(stay away fro the orange tube kind)
super glue is great too, for any small part,tricky,or just gotta stick now job, this works the best. try a combo too. use the super to tack into place and the cement to permanently fix to model.

Brushes: i will go into more detail during my hand painting tutorial but for the most part i only ever use three brushes. #4 flat #2 flat and 3/0 round. you dont have to buy very expensive brushes ether. i believe that most of my "work horse" brushes are about $4 each. while all my wash,dry brushing ect brushes are from very cheap packed brushes. the important thing to remember is that they are comfortable and work well fro you. some of this will come down to personal preference.

hopefully this has given some of you some ideas of what you will need starting out!

Any comments or suggestions on what tools you cant live without or think would be essential to a beginner models set are welcome!

Description
I get a lot of questions about scale modeling, where to find kits,what kind of paint to use, but one thing that is often overlooked is tools. I thought it would be good to show what tools anyone new to the craft will want starting out. most of these tools are almost essential, or at least make the hobby much easier. I use these tools on every kit i build and think that anybody starting out would really benefit from owning these.
This is just IMO and i will discuss more on brushes and paint in a latter tutorial.

Basic tools:

Hobby knife with extra blades: a good knife and sharp blades are just about a requirement for any scale modeler. A knife will help clean parts, can be used as a probe and of course help with any cutting you need. the knife i use was well under $10.00, is metal and covered with a soft plastic. you will be using this knife alot so pick up one for comfort and durability. a good knife will last you years. extra blades are a must as well. a package of 100 will cost under $20 us and last you a very long time. remember never use a dull blade, it will affect your work and can be dangerous.

Sharp side cutter: this tool will eliminate alot of work and headaches for you. it is used to removed the parts from the runners. this will cut down on time and broken parts. i use a Tamiya brand and can be fond for under $30 us. a must for plastic injection models!

Reverse pressure tweezers: these tweezers will help with placing small parts and decals. the reverse pressure design will make it so you can work without having to apply pressure to the tweezers to hold the part. these can be a life saver and can be found for quite cheap. i found mine for $1.00

mini file set or sand paper: are a must for cleaning and smoothing out parts. i use the files because they can get into hard to reach places. can be found for under $15 us. tho sandpaper can work just as good and is much cheaper.

glues: you are going to need glue and you should just skip alot of the cheaper stuff and just buy the best IMO, you will thank me latter. Tamiya extra thin($5us) comes in liquid form and comes with a handy brush built in to the cap. once its dry its so thin the glue marks will not show thru paint. all around great product and the best model glue i have ever used.(stay away fro the orange tube kind)
super glue is great too, for any small part,tricky,or just gotta stick now job, this works the best. try a combo too. use the super to tack into place and the cement to permanently fix to model.

Brushes: i will go into more detail during my hand painting tutorial but for the most part i only ever use three brushes. #4 flat #2 flat and 3/0 round. you dont have to buy very expensive brushes ether. i believe that most of my "work horse" brushes are about $4 each. while all my wash,dry brushing ect brushes are from very cheap packed brushes. the important thing to remember is that they are comfortable and work well fro you. some of this will come down to personal preference.

hopefully this has given some of you some ideas of what you will need starting out!

Any comments or suggestions on what tools you cant live without or think would be essential to a beginner models set are welcome!