Lesson by Mitch: 2 A Builder's Toolbox

[Mitch]

Hello all and here is my suggestion for what are handy tools for building a Guillow Kit:

1. Building Board: This can be a Balsa board, Ceiling Tile, I also have a Metal Sheet (for magnets)
2. Wax Paper: To cover the plans when building, some people use plastic wrap
3. Pins for building: I mostly use 1 inch T pins, I also recently found pin clamps
4. Cutting tools: X-acto knife with #11 blade, also straight razors and scissors
5. Adhesives: White Glue, 2 part epoxy, some people use CA type glues
6. Clamps: Different clamps for different uses. X-acto bar claps, small spring clamps, office clips
7. Sand Paper: different grades and sanding blocks
8. Square: Small x-acto square or similar
9. Files: A set of jewlers files will come in handy
10. Finishing: Dope, I now use a spray of Top Flight LusterKote (crystal clear), and paints

I think this is a complete list of what I generally use. A new builder may not require all of these, but you will eventually find them very helpful. I hope this helps any newcomer to our hobby! If anyone has questions I can respond with pictures. I am sure other builders have a favorite tool for special purposes.

Mitch

[dipz]

A good comprehensive list of tools and other requirements. Really helpful.

dipz

[FsFalcon]

Great list Mitch, thanks for putting it together!

I'd also add:

11. An out of the way place to work; preferably one where you don't have to pick up everything at the end of a building session.

[Mitch]

That is very good advice, but not exactly a tool... At the very least, and for my first build (at age 10)

1. Building Board: my Dad gave me a piece of plywood. (not so good)
2. Pins: my Mom gave me some sewing pins. (not so good)
3. Knife: my Dad gave me a fresh double edged razor blade. (not so good)
4. Glue: I had Testor's plastic model cement. (not so good)
5. Sand Paper: my Dad gave me some sand paper and a small block of wood. That was actually my BEST TOOL!

But I built my first Guillow's model, a 100 series Fokker D8!

[Steve Blanchard]

And you stood there with a big smile on your face with the finished D-8 in your bloody hands.

[Mitch]

Yes, you are right! And for my next model I discovered "T" pins and used an x-acto knife and Tester's wood glue, that was a 100 series Se5a!

I still love building Guillow kits and enjoyed my day at the show yesterday...

Model to receive overall TOP AWARD:

Cost...in the Thousands

Model that made me go back home to show off my Eindecker:

Time to build...counted in YEARS

My Edge 540:

Time to build... 15 hours

My Scratch Built Eindecker:

Cost to build... about 15 dollars

Since ALL flying models were invited they had a category for non-RC (we call that free flight). I did not go there to win anything and was most happy talking with people about my newest flying model the Edge 540... Next year I will bring a box full of Guillow catalogs, as I got 2 families interested in Guillow models! To get ONE new person interested in our hobby is worth more to me than any award...

Guillow's should be receiving some new orders for the Edge 540 kit! Mitch

[Mitch]

Did someone ask about tools?

[gordonfan24]

It was me! I asked about the tools and a hearty THANKS to Mitch for upping this previous post. I'm on track to be a skilled builder thanks to my fellow hobby enthusiasts.

[Brenda]

The few tools you forgot...Firecrackers, matches and lighter fluid....That is what I use to do when my craft became more glue than wood from repairs...

[prototypesplus]

Brenda...a girl after me own heart!