Thread: Absolute beginners questions

Hello, I'm brand new to this card modelling (having spent many happy hours with Airfix models as a boy). I thought I would give card modelling a go. having read through a few guides I've equipped myself out with what I think should be the basic tools i.e.

- A3 self-healing cutting mat.
- Architects metal rule 12" (triangular)
- Scotch Scrapbooker Glue with 2-way applicator
- Fiskars 209921 Soft Touch Micro Tip Scissors
- X-Acto X2000 knife plus extra No 11 blades.

I'm hoping this is going to be enough to start me off with but I'm sure to have missed something. Does anyone have any comments on that tool set? Any Additions?

With that sorted I'll be ready to actually start modelling! I'd like to concentrate on real space craft to begin with. But as a beginner is it best to purchase a per-printed kit or try one of the - many - free downloads?

If I'm going to download some models to print off at home then will be HP Deskjet All-in-One printer be good enough for the job? If so then what would be the best weight of card to use? I'm guessing this will vary according to the section of model being worked on? Is it best to buy a selection of different card weights at first? If so do you have any recommendations as to suppliers?

Phew - that's enough questions for now.

Many thanks in advance for any help.

Carl

Carl that's plenty all I use is an old sheet of glass that use to be a back window of a car or truck, a pair of large scissors for general overall cutting, a small pair of scissors for fine detail cutting, and craft glue (not PVC or PVA style just pesonal) the glue cost me $2australian a large bottle from my local $2 shop so you don't need anything special, I don't use a ruler or a hobby knife they belong I my plastics area.


Dingo

Originally Posted by Dingo

Carl that's plenty all I use is an old sheet of glass that use to be a back window of a car or truck, a pair of large scissors for general overall cutting, a small pair of scissors for fine detail cutting, and craft glue (not PVC or PVA style just pesonal) the glue cost me $2australian a large bottle from my local $2 shop so you don't need anything special, I don't use a ruler or a hobby knife they belong I my plastics area.


Dingo

thanks for the reply Dingo - it gives me a lot of confidence that I'm on the right track. I guess choice of glue comes down to personal preferences which will only come with experience. Cheers

Carl

Hello Carlif you still building the card models you can even use wood glue !! It don't mess at all on the papersIt might take a little longer to dry but you will find the results amazing

Sounds like a good set you have their.

For glue I use PVA and a tooth pick to apply to small areas, (like tabs), for larger areas I have a card glue and for laminating sheets of A4 together I use a spray can glue. The last two glues are non water based so no warping or wrinkles.

For paper I use 110gsm for most models and a 160gsm photo gloss paper when i want a shiny look, (great for cars).

Now search for some freebies, the quality varies but you can get almost anything. In fact, making a poor model go together well will teach you more than putting together the perfect design.

If you need any more info just post you questions here.

Cheers JTF

Buy or steal, I mean borrow, a pack of cheap kiddies felt tip pens. You Know the ones with four shades of everything. Great for running along edges without dampening and causing distortion or swelling. I also resort to clothes pegs, where as paper clips or bulldog clips tend to leave indents. Oh, by the way, if you need compound curves you can use egg spoons, soup spoons etc, while holding the piece over something firm but slightly sqiggey. Use a circular motion and have patience. The lamination will start to undo so the edge will need to be sealed with a smear of PVA or suchlike

Hello Carl – I also use Wood glue - Don't mess at all and don't leave any unwanted marks
What you can keep in your toolbox that will be very helpful is :
Needles - pins – Toothpicks & paperclips - This can be very handy!! You can use the pins to insert it into the plane propeller spinner
Press the 2 half blades over the pin and glue it onto the pin
Toothpicks can be used to support the wheels
I’m sure you will get more ideas as you build more and more…